Garland County Sheriff's Office

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Garland County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Michael McCormick and the Garland County Sheriff's Office-
Patrol and Detention

08/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Garland County Sheriff’s Office
Missing Person – Public Assistance Requested.
The Garland County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person.
Name: Denise Rochelle Maciel Gontarek
Age: 40
Race: White
Gender: Female
Height: 5/6
Weight: 165
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Last Known Location: 100 block of Ketchum Cir
Clothing: Black and white bathing suit
Medical Issues: None
Tattoos/Scars/or distinguishing marks: None
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact the Garland County Sheriff’s Office at 501-622-3660 or dial 911 immediately.

08/06/2026

Sheriff McCormick would like to congratulate and publicly recognize Patrol Sgt. Thomas Fox for being awarded the 2026 Elks Lodge Law Enforcement Officer Award. Sergeant Fox consistently exemplifies the professionalism, leadership, work ethic, and dedication to public service that this award is intended to recognize.

As a supervisor, Sergeant Fox leads by example each day. He maintains exceptional communication with both his peers and subordinates, fostering a positive and productive work environment. His approachable personality, professional demeanor, and commitment to supporting his team have significantly contributed to increased shift morale and strengthened unit cohesion. Sergeant Fox understands that effective leadership is built on trust, accountability, and a willingness to work alongside those he supervises.

Beyond his supervisory responsibilities, Sergeant Fox’s continued commitment to proactive law enforcement is equally impressive. During the past year, he led all agency supervisors in enforcement activity. These accomplishments demonstrate not only his dedication to public safety but also his willingness to remain actively engaged in law enforcement operations while carrying the additional responsibilities of supervision.

08/05/2026

Please join us in congratulating Investigator Jennifer Barrera in recognition by her peers, as Enforcement employee of the month for July 2026! Her continued commitment, initiative, and positive attitude make her an invaluable member of our team!

07/31/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Garland County Sheriff’s Office

Missing Person – Public Assistance Requested.

The Garland County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person.

Name: Sherry Wages

Age: 72

Race: White

Gender: Female

Height: 5’ 9

Weight: 190

Hair: White

Eyes: Blue

Last Known Location: Was last seen in Garland County and last known contact made with Mrs. wages was in Georgia

Clothing: unknown

Medical Issues:

Tattoos/Scars/or distinguishing marks:

Mrs. Wages has a mixed shepherd dog with her

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact the Garland County Sheriff’s Office at 501-622-3660 or dial 911 immediately.

07/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Garland County Sheriff’s Office

Runaway Juvenile – Public Assistance Requested.

The Garland County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a Runaway Juvenile.

Name: Ronnie Seger

Age: 12

Race: White

Gender: Female

Height: 4’11”

Weight: 95

Hair: Black

Eyes: Blue

Last Known Location: 100 Block of New Leaf Lane

Clothing: Unknown

Medical Issues: None

Tattoos/Scars/or distinguishing marks: None

Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact the Garland County Sheriff’s Office at 501-622-3660 or dial 911 immediately.

07/24/2026

A big thank you to Daniell Heat & Air for providing breakfast to our deputies this morning.

07/23/2026

Today, Deputy John Wright received the Home Town Hero Award from Arkansas Farm Bureau at the Farm Bureau’s Officer’s and Leaders Conference in Hot Springs. Presenting the award is President Dan Wright, Vice President Megan Allen, Secretary/Treasurer Terry Dabbs, and Executive Vice President Jarrod Yates. We are extremely proud of Deputy Wright for the outstanding work that he does. Deputy Wright is a valuable asset to the Sheriff’s Office and to the citizens of Garland County.

07/19/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Garland County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Early Morning Shooting

On July 19, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the Garland County Communications Center received a report of shots being fired at 198 Irwin Point, also known as Underboss Umbrella.
Garland County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene, secured the area, and determined that an altercation had occurred involving multiple individuals. As a result of the incident, several people sustained injuries.
The victims were transported to a local hospital, where they are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No further information will be released at this time.

Sheriff Mike McCormick would like to thank the Hot Springs Police Department, Morning Star Fire Department, and Pafford EMS for their assistance and support during this incident.

07/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Garland County Sheriff’s Office

On July 13, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Garland County Communications Center dispatched a Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy to the 200 block of Cougar Terrace regarding a missing person. The caller reported that she had left the residence earlier that morning and, upon returning home, was unable to locate 85-year-old Thomas Ross.

At approximately 12:00 p.m. that same day, dispatch received a report of an unattended boat at a nearby residence on Cougar Terrace. The boat’s engine was running but was not in gear, and it was observed sitting against a nearby dock. Responding deputies were unable to locate the boat’s owner at the time. During investigation, deputies learned Mr. Ross had been cleaning the boat prior to his disappearance. Mr. Ross’ clothes were located near the dock.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the incident and the residence’s close proximity to Lake Hamilton, the Garland County Sheriff’s Office initiated a search and rescue operation, believing Mr. Ross may have entered the water. The search involved personnel from the Garland County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, Pafford Medical Services, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Lake Hamilton Fire Department, 70 West Fire Department, and Piney Fire Department. Search efforts continued into the evening and resumed on July 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. with the help of the Garland County Department of Emergency Management.

Mr. Ross was located deceased in Lake Hamilton at approximately 11:45 a.m. on July 14, 2026.

Statement from Sheriff Mike McCormick
“This is a heartbreaking outcome, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that the community keep them in their thoughts and respect their privacy as they grieve. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to all agencies and personnel who assisted in the search and recovery efforts. Their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork were instrumental throughout this operation.”

07/09/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Garland County Sheriff’s Office Partners with NHTSA for Speed Enforcement Campaign

Beginning July 10 through July 31, the Garland County Sheriff’s Office will join the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a nationwide speed enforcement mobilization aimed at reducing speed-related crashes and saving lives.

During this campaign, motorists can expect to see additional deputy patrol units dedicated to enforcing speed limits throughout Garland County. The goal is simple: encourage drivers to slow down and help make our roads safer for everyone.

According to NHTSA, 11,775 people were killed in speeding-related traffic crashes in 2023, with speeding contributing to 29% of all traffic fatalities nationwide.

Young drivers continue to be disproportionately affected by speed-related crashes. In 2023, 37% of males and 18% of females between the ages of 15 and 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding. Motorcycle riders are also at elevated risk, with 51% of motorcycle operators ages 21 to 24 involved in fatal crashes having been speeding, the highest rate among motorcyclists.

Speeding doesn’t just increase your chances of being involved in a crash—it also increases the severity of injuries when a crash occurs. Obeying posted speed limits gives you more time to react, shortens stopping distance, and helps protect everyone sharing the roadway.

The Garland County Sheriff’s Office urges all motorists to:

• Obey posted speed limits.
• Slow down in neighborhoods, work zones, and areas with heavy traffic.
• Allow extra travel time so there’s no need to rush.
• Remember that arriving a few minutes later is far better than not arriving at all.

From July 10 through July 31, if you choose to speed, expect to encounter increased enforcement. Together, we can reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and save lives.

Slow down. Drive responsibly. Help keep Garland County safe.

Address

525 Ouachita Avenue
Hot Springs, AR
71901

Telephone

(501) 622-3660

Website

https://www.garlandcounty.org/187/Sheriffs-Office

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