Man arrested in connection to assault on a Jefferson County Deputy

Jefferson County, Arkansas – 33-year-old Stephen Southerland, who was wanted in connection to a vehicle striking and dragging a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy on Highway 270 in September, has been arrested along with two accomplices who are charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution along with other charges.

26-year-old Heath Ludwick and 56-year-old Kellie Southerland were both arrested along with Stephen Southerland.

At approximately 1:37 p.m. on September 1, a Jefferson County Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of U.S. 270 and Hardin Reed Rd. During the traffic stop, a white SUV containing two passengers approached the deputy and asked him for his name and badge number. Shortly after, the driver ran into the deputy with their vehicle, dragging him a short distance.

The deputy gained the strength to pick himself up, get back into his patrol vehicle, and pursue the SUV. The pursuit ended on Pony Trail.

The driver of the vehicle was 28-year-old white female, Amanda Thornton, was arrested at the scene.

Stephen Southerland has been charged with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, 2nd degree battery on a police officer, and fleeing.

Heath Ludwick has been charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution and fleeing.

Kellie Southerland has been charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution, fleeing, and resisting arrest.