Smith being taken into custody

Travis Wayde Smith (file photo)

     This evening 35 year old TRAVIS WAYDE SMITH, the subject of a manhunt this past Sunday, February 19th, was arrested and taken into custody following a second manhunt that took place in the Midway area.

     Sheriff’s Investigators obtained leads this afternoon indicating that TRAVIS WAYDE SMITH was at a private residence on Foster Drive in Midway.  Officers went to the residence at approximately 4:30 PM today. After officers arrived, TRAVIS SMITH fled out the back door and ran into the woods behind the home.  Officers from several agencies responded to the vicinity to contain SMITH until tracking dogs could arrive. 

     After its arrival, the canine tracking team from the Arkansas Department of Corrections – North Central Unit tracked SMITH through the woods for approximately one hour and was able to apprehend him near Capewood Lane at approximately 6:36 PM.

     TRAVIS SMITH had been wanted in connection with the burglary of Fred’s Fish House and the J. & J. Convenience Store in Baxter County.  On Tuesday, a District Judge signed a probable cause affidavit for the issuance of a felony arrest warrant charging SMITH with:

Commercial Burglary (2 counts)
Theft of Property (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Instruments of Crime (burglary tools)
Criminal Use of a Prohibited Weapon
Fleeing on Foot from a law enforcement officer

     TRAVIS SMITH will be taken to the Baxter County Detention Center to be held in custody.  He will face an additional charge of Fleeing from the manhunt this afternoon, and he will also be facing holds from Fulton County, Arkansas, Ozark County, Missouri, and from the State of Oklahoma for other crimes.

     Agencies involved in this evening’s manhunt and arrest were the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office (10 deputies), Arkansas Department of Corrections Canine Team, Arkansas State Police, Lakeview Police Department, Ozark County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, and Mountain Home Police Department.

     The investigation into SMITH’s criminality is continuing. 

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff