A large-scale manhunt is currently underway in Brinkley, Arkansas, for 41-year-old Rodney Jermaine Smith, who escaped custody from the Brinkley Police Department Jail early Thursday morning, October 29, 2026. According to the Arkansas State Police, Smith assaulted two law enforcement personnel and stole an officer’s Taser before fleeing on foot around 7:15 a.m. He was last seen traveling south on New Orleans Avenue and later spotted on railroad tracks in the area at approximately 7:37 a.m. Smith is described as a Black male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 260 pounds, with short black hair, brown eyes, and multiple tattoos on his arms, upper left arm, back, and neck. At the time of his escape, he was wearing a white T-shirt, yellow jumpsuit pants, and white socks, and was barefoot. Authorities warn the public not to approach or attempt to detain Smith due to the potential danger. He was being held at the jail awaiting transfer to the Arkansas Department of Correction and has a prior arrest history that includes aggravated robbery and domestic battery. The Brinkley Public School District has placed all campuses on lockdown as a precautionary measure while the search continues. Troopers and Special Agents from the Arkansas State Police are assisting local officers in the search efforts. Residents with information regarding Smith’s whereabouts are urged to contact the Brinkley Police Department at 870-734-3434, the Arkansas State Police Troop D at 870-633-1454, or dial 911 in case of an emergency. Updates on the situation are being provided by ArkansasRadio.com as more information becomes available.