The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Arkansas State Police, is investing a residential structure fire at 447 CR 508 in the Midway area, as well as investigating the burning of a vehicle from that residence that was found in another area of the county. Both of the fires are being investigated as arsons, and an older couple known to live at that residence are unaccounted for.

     At approximately 7:34 PM Saturday evening, November 7th, a Trooper with the Arkansas State Police was flagged down by another motorist reporting that a house was on fire on Baxter CR 508.  The Trooper went to investigate, and the Midway Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched.  The house was heavily involved at that time.  One vehicle belonging to the couple residing there was still at the house, but their second vehicle was missing.  Due to the intense residual heat from the fire, investigators have not yet been able to search through the debris, although plans are underway to do so just as soon as conditions will allow for it.

     At approximately 8:30 AM this morning, November 8th, a Sheriff’s Deputy found a vehicle in a field in a rather remote area on Baxter CR 1 (Denton Ferry Road) near the area of Bruce Creek.  The vehicle, a full size pickup truck, is believed to be the vehicle missing from the residence.  It had been destroyed by fire as well.  This vehicle is being processed as a crime scene.

     Authorities have been in contact with relatives of the couple who are unaccounted for from the residence, and a full investigation is underway in an effort to determine what has happened to them.  Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff