At 2:47 pm the Lawrence County Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a mobile home fire at 29 Lawrence 269 just outside of the Lynn city limits, Lynn Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. As the firefighters arrived they were told that a boyfriend of the resident had assaulted the female resident and set fire to the home.
Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office along with multiple units from the Arkansas State Police converged on the area. Lynn firefighters contained the fire but the residence was a total loss. The victim stated that the suspect identified as a Donnie Owens had run into the woods with a knife threatening harm to himself and others. Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Yates along with several of his deputies quickly got a description of the suspects clothing and began searching the area. A drone was brought in shortly before sunset in an attempt to locate the suspect.
Shortly after 5 pm a resident on Lawrence 312 came home and discovered their vehicle had apparently been stolen from the residence and is believed to be involved in this incident. Arkansas State Police requested a “BOLO†or Be On The Lookout was issued by the Lawrence County Dispatch and passed along to the surrounding counties for the missing 2005 silver Ford vehicle.
As of 6 pm Sheriff’s Deputies and Arkansas State Police were still on scene in the Lynn area, investigators were gathering statements and evidence from the scene. The search for the suspect continues. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office has not released a photo of the suspect at this time. Authorities are using cell phone pings In an attempt to locate the suspect.
We will continue to update this story.
For more information on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office visit www.lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com .