Dover Public Schools Police Department

09/10/2026

Press release from yesterdays incident

On Wednesday, the 9th, at approximately 10:30, the Dover Marshals Office provided information to the Dover Public School Police Department concerning a domestic violence threat. The suspect made very specific threats directed at the victim. The suspect told the victim that the violence would occur on school campus, and the suspect knew the victim would be on campus.

Through the Dover Marshal's Office investigation, enough probable cause developed to make an on-view arrest of the suspect. Chief Taylor and Officer Morris notified each building and informed staff and administration of the situation. All building office staff were provided with photos of the suspect and asked to verify anyone entering through the main entrance.

At approximately 1:10 PM, the suspect attempted to enter Dover High School to check out a child. Dover High School office staff contacted DPSPD officers, initiated in-place security protocols by calling a hold, and stalled the suspect to prevent entry into the building using our access control system.

Chief Taylor arrived and advised the suspect that they were under arrest. The suspect was not cooperative and resisted arrest. The suspect was quickly handcuffed with minimal use of force and placed in a patrol vehicle by Chief Taylor and Officer Morris. The Pope County Sheriff's Office provided assistance and transported the suspect to the Pope County Detention Center. As soon as the suspect left campus, operations returned to normal.

We wanted to share the facts of the situation and dispel several rumors currently circulating in the community. The Dover Public Schools Police Department, Dover Marshals Office, Dover Public Schools, and Pope County Sheriff's Office all worked together today to ensure student safety and security. That is the sole mission of the Dover Public Schools Police Department.

Chief Taylor, Dover Public Schools Police Department

08/28/2026

On 08/28/2026 at approximately 12:40 The Dover Public Schools Police Department was notified of a gas leak on school property at Dover Middle School. Officers responded and found the riser damaged next to the school. A large amount of natural gas was releasing from the riser with the distinct odor of natural gas. The site was secured according to the Emergency Response Guide.

Secure procedure for the school was implemented and students were moved to the opposite end of the building. Chief Taylor, Officer Morris, and Chief Titsworth of the Dover Marshal’s Office shut traffic down on Elizabeth street and on campus. The Dover Fire Department responded and Summit Utilities was contacted. Summit Utilities was on scene within 30 minutes and isolated the leak. Summit and DCFD both used combustible gas detectors to check the building before students returned to that part of the building.

Students school day returned to normal within the hour. A huge thank you goes out to all of the responders, administrators, teachers, and staff members. Also, Hector Schools Police Department and Pope County Sheriffs Office who both offered assistance!

DOVER, Ark. — A gas leak near Dover Middle School prompted a temporary relocation of students and road closures Friday afternoon, but the situation was brought under control without disrupting the school day for long. The leak was reported shortly before 12:40 p.m. outside the […]