Fleeing Fugitives Arrested in Rural Washington County

Fort Smith, AR – The U.S. Marshals led Western Arkansas Fugitive Task Force, along with the Springdale Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Odell Rhodes in the Hickory Flat area in East Washington County on Thursday afternoon. Rhodes was wanted by the Springdale Police Department on theft charges and fleeing from law enforcement in a motor vehicle. He was also wanted by state probation and parole for absconding. Rhodes may also be facing other charges in multiple jurisdictions.

During the week of Jan. 15, Springdale Police and Deputy U. S. Marshals developed information that indicated Rhodes could be in the East Washington County area. The WATF then initiated an investigation that led them to an address on Hickory Flat Road where the suspect was arrested along with two other individuals who were wanted by state probation and parole for absconding.

Rhodes and the other two suspects, later identified as Dasha Castleman and Stephanie Rhodes, were captured when they attempted to flee officers from the Hickory Flat location by running into the woods. Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers had hiked up the steep earlier that day and were waiting on them. All three were arrested and were transported to the Washington County Jail where they were being held on Thursday evening.

The WAFTF is composed of members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Arkansas State Police, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Greenwood Police Department, and Springdale Police Department. The WAFTF serves the citizens of Western Arkansas by locating and arresting fugitives wanted for violent crimes.