Malvern Police Department

08/10/2026

👮‍♂️ PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING TWO NEW MEMBERS OF THE MALVERN POLICE DEPARTMENT! 👮‍♂️

The Malvern Police Department is proud to introduce two of our newest sworn Police Officers, Officer Justin Rudell and Officer Colton Johnson!

Both officers were recently sworn in by the Honorable Judge Billy Jack Gibson. At this time, neither officer is certified as a law enforcement officer, and both are expected to attend an Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in January as they begin their journey toward becoming certified police officers.

👮‍♂️ Meet Officer Colton Johnson

First up is Officer C. Johnson. Now, we're not exactly sure what we're going to call him around here. We already have a Colton, a Johnson, and a CJ at the department. Somehow, we're going to have to figure this one out! 😂

Officer Johnson was born right here in Malvern and graduated from the Malvern School District in 2015.

Officer Johnson has been happily married to his wife, Megan, for six years. (Megan, if that information is incorrect, please blame your husband.) The couple has two children, Piper and Easton.

When he's not at work suffering through PowerPoint training, Officer Johnson enjoys being outdoors. He is an avid hunter, trains c**n dogs, and most importantly, enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

👮‍♂️ Meet Officer Justin Rudell

Next, we'd like to introduce Officer Justin Rudell.

Officer Rudell comes to the Malvern Police Department from Benton, where he was born and graduated from Benton High School in 2008.

Justin spent several years as a competitive shooter, participating in IDPA matches, and brings that experience and discipline with him to the department.

Officer Rudell also owns his own window tinting business.

When he's not at work suffering through PowerPoint presentations himself, Justin enjoys hunting, hiking, and pretty much anything that gets him outdoors.

🚔 WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

Please take a moment to welcome Officer Justin Rudell and Officer Colton Johnson to the Malvern Police Department and the City of Malvern!

Both officers are beginning an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to watching them grow through training and experience as they work toward becoming certified police officers.

Welcome to the Malvern PD family, Officers! We're glad to have you! 🇺🇸👮‍♂️

08/07/2026

08/06/2026

🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT – INTERSTATE 30 WESTBOUND CLOSED 🚨

The Malvern Police Department would like to make the citizens of Malvern and those traveling through our area aware of a major traffic incident on Interstate 30 westbound in Hot Spring County.

A serious crash has resulted in the closure of all westbound lanes near Mile Marker 85.8, approximately 5.8 miles northeast of Caddo Valley.

Current Traffic Information:
🚧 Interstate 30 westbound is closed at Mile Marker 86.
🚧 Traffic is being diverted at Mile Markers 97–98 and Mile Marker 106.
🚧 Traffic is backed up, and delays are expected to be significant.

If your travel plans include Interstate 30 westbound this morning, please use an alternate route whenever possible and allow yourself extra travel time. If you must travel in the area, slow down, remain alert, and follow all traffic control devices and directions from emergency personnel.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this incident, as well as the first responders working diligently to provide assistance and safely reopen the roadway.

The Malvern Police Department will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

08/02/2026

The Malvern Police Department would like to congratulate Sgt. CJ Savage and Officer Brandon Russell on their recognition in the 2026 Malvern Daily Record Readers' Choice Awards.

We are proud to announce that Sgt. Savage was voted Best Law Enforcement Officer for 2026, while Officer Russell earned the distinction of Runner-Up.

These honors are a reflection of their professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to serving the citizens of Malvern. Their dedication to protecting our community and representing the Malvern Police Department with excellence does not go unnoticed.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Savage and Officer Russell on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to have both of them as members of the Malvern Police Department family!

08/02/2026

On August 1, 2026, Magnet Cove School's K-6 campus hosted its annual Back to School Bash, and the Malvern Police Department was proud to be a part of it.

Officer Laney Wallace attended the event and, while she unfortunately never made it into the dunk tank, she had the opportunity to spend time meeting many of the area's young future leaders.

One special moment from the day was when Officer Wallace took a photo with Allie McClard. Judging by the smile on Allie's face, it's safe to say it made her day—and moments like that remind us why community engagement is so important.

These interactions help build trust, foster positive relationships, and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities we serve.

Thank you to Magnet Cove School for the invitation and hospitality. We also want to recognize Officer Wallace for representing the Malvern Police Department with professionalism, kindness, and for being a positive role model for the children in our community.

08/02/2026

On Tuesday, July 28, the Malvern Police Department proudly hosted the Boots & Badges Blood Drive. Several of our officers, along with many members of our community, donated blood and platelets to help save lives.

We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to participate. Your generosity and willingness to give back will make a meaningful difference for patients and families in need.

The Malvern Police Department is proud to partner with our community in supporting causes that strengthen and serve others. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success!

07/30/2026

The Malvern Police Department would like to extend our sincere thanks to Sheriff Havard and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office - TX County Sheriff's Office - Texas for this recognition.

It is an honor to be acknowledged, and we are proud to support our fellow law enforcement agencies whenever the opportunity arises. Working together across jurisdictions strengthens our ability to serve and protect our communities, and the Malvern Police Department remains committed to assisting our law enforcement partners whenever possible.

Thank you again to Sheriff Havard and the Jasper County Sheriff's Office for this recognition. We truly appreciate your support and partnership.

Wanted fugitive arrested in Arkansas on felony warrant:

On July 29, 2026, Sheriff Chuck Havard received information that a wanted man from Jasper County could be potentially located in Malvern, Arkansas. Sheriff Havard confirmed that Kevin Caudle, 41, was wanted out of Jasper County on a Failure to Appear warrant, which was issued March 15, 2023, for an original charge of Theft of Material, Less Than $20,000 (including metals such as aluminum, bronze, copper and brass), a State Jail Felony. Sheriff Havard contacted Detective Christopher Lisenbey with the Malvern Police Department and relayed the location information.

On July 30, 2026, at approximately 3:10 p.m., Malvern police officers located Caudle at a residence and took him into custody. He will be extradited back to Jasper County in the coming days.

He is innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

If you have a felony warrant out of Jasper County, we will use every resource available to ensure warrants issued by our courts are served. I want to thank Malvern Police Chief Donnie Taber and Detective Christopher Lisenbey for their swift action and willingness to help take Caudle into custody.

Sheriff Chuck Havard

(Photo Credit: Malvern Police Department)

07/18/2026

The Malvern Police Department would like to congratulate our newest certified officer, Officer Laney Wallace, on her graduation from the Central Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (CALETA) on Friday, July 17, 2026.

During her time at the academy, Officer Wallace served as one of the squad leaders, demonstrating leadership, professionalism, and dedication throughout her training. While she may not have taken home an individual award, the academy's Cadre had nothing but praise for her work ethic, character, and leadership abilities—qualities that speak volumes about the officer she has become.

Officer Wallace has worked hard to reach this milestone, and we are proud to welcome her back to the Malvern Police Department as a certified law enforcement officer. We know she will continue to serve the citizens of Malvern with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Laney Wallace on this outstanding achievement and wishing her a safe and successful career!

07/13/2026

🎉 Celebrating 150 Years of Malvern! 🎉

This Saturday, July 18th, our community comes together to celebrate an incredible milestone—150 years of the City of Malvern! Join us as we honor the rich history, proud traditions, and the people who have made Malvern the wonderful place we call home. Community celebration events are scheduled throughout the day as part of the city's sesquicentennial festivities.

For 150 years, generations of families, businesses, first responders, educators, veterans, and community leaders have helped shape the character and strength of our city. The Malvern Police Department is proud to serve this community and to continue the tradition of protecting and serving the citizens of Malvern.

Whether you're a lifelong resident or visiting for the celebration, we encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities, reconnect with friends and neighbors, and celebrate everything that makes Malvern special.

We look forward to seeing everyone downtown as we celebrate 150 years of history, community, and hometown pride!

Happy 150th Birthday, Malvern! ❤️💙

07/13/2026

🔒 Lock It Before You Leave It 🔒

Whether it's day or night, always remember to lock your vehicle doors.

Many of the vehicle break-ins we investigate involve unlocked vehicles. Taking just a few extra seconds before walking away can greatly reduce the chance of becoming a victim.

Before leaving your vehicle, make sure to remove:
• 👛 Purses and wallets
• 🔑 Key fobs or spare keys
• 🔫 Fi****ms
• 💻 Electronics and other valuables

Don't leave valuable items in plain sight, and whenever possible, take them with you.

Making these simple habits part of your daily routine can help protect your hard-earned property and reduce opportunities for theft.

Lock your doors. Remove your valuables. Help us keep our community safe.