Arkansas – Arkansas State Police apprehended a fugitive wanted on numerous violent felony charges during a Thursday evening operation in Chicot County. The arrest took place on May 22, 2025, following a tip from Louisiana authorities.
Richard Dewayne Pope, 40, of Oak Grove, Louisiana, was the subject of a nationwide alert issued by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. Considered dangerous due to his violent criminal history, Pope was reportedly traveling through Chicot County on a motorcycle.
Around 7:30 p.m., ASP Troopers located Pope at a convenience store on Highway 65 South in Eudora. The arrest was executed without incident. Following his capture, Pope was transported to the Drew County Detention Center, where he is currently being held pending extradition to Louisiana.
According to officials, Pope faces a long list of felony charges in Louisiana, including six counts of Second-Degree Attempted Murder, six counts of Impeding a Witness, Insurance Fraud, Aggravated Arson, and Obstruction of Justice Due to Evidence Destruction. Records also indicate a previous arrest for aggravated assault with a firearm.
ASP officials credited interagency cooperation and swift communication with safely bringing the fugitive into custody. The agency did not disclose further details about Pope’s recent activities in Arkansas or whether he may face additional charges locally.
The case remains under investigation as Pope awaits transfer back to Louisiana to face prosecution.