Man with lights, siren accused of impersonation

LONOKE — An Arkansas man accused of carrying a badge and using flashing lights and a siren on his vehicle has been arrested for impersonating an officer.

Lonoke County Jail records indicate that 37-year-old Jeremy D. Kurck of Jacksonville was arrested late Friday and booked for criminal impersonation, criminal use of a prohibited weapon and other charges. He was being held without bond Sunday and the records do not indicate if he has an attorney.

The sheriff’s office says Kurck was arrested after a detective watched a pickup truck activate flashing lights and a siren before accelerating to 90 mph.

Officials say Kurck, who said he was a process server, had a “similar style badge” to the sheriff’s office and his truck was outfitted with a taser, handcuffs and other police equipment.

Officer arrested for smuggling drugs into jail

PINE BLUFF — An Arkansas correctional officer has been accused of smuggling drugs into a county jail.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says 36-year-old corrections officer Lecora Rene Hawkins was arrested on Friday. Records at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center indicate she is accused of furnishing prohibited articles and possession of a controlled substance at a correctional facility.

The sheriff’s office says Hawkins’ arrest followed an undercover investigation within the detention facility and that more arrests are possible.

Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. says bringing contraband into the detention facility threatens the safety and security of the facility as well as officers and detainees and that officials will pursue the maximum penalty for anyone who violates jail policies concerning contraband.

If convicted, Hawkins faces between 5 and 20 years in state prison.