Stephen Blake Cox

On Thursday, April 18, 2019 at approximately 1408 hours, the 8th North Task Force was assisting Hempstead County Sheriff’s Deputies with an undercover operation which resulted in the arrest of Steven Blake Cox age 28 of Prescott, Arkansas.

 

HCSO North agents and HCSO deputies arrested Cox and for delivery of controlled substance Methamphetamine handcuffed and placed him in an HCSO Vehicle, Agents located a black bag in the front floorboard of the vehicle, in the middle console a Tarsus 9mm handgun was located. Inside the black bag was two clear bags containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine, a plastic bottle containing several individual packages of marijuana, two digital scales used for weighing narcotics, glass pipes, marijuana pipes and partially burned marijuana cigarettes.

 

While Agents were searching, Cox managed to get one of his hand restraints off of his wrist and get the door open to the patrol unit. Cox then escaped custody and fled on foot. 8th North agents, HCSO Deputies, and other law enforcement officers attempted to locate Cox. Officers searched the area for Cox about two hours when a person called 911 and advised they believe the person officers are searching for his walking down Patmos Road.

 

Officers went to the area and observed Cox walking down the Patmos Road. Cox observed officers coming down the road and he fled on foot again. Cox ran through a pasture, into the woods and down a creek through waste high water. Cox was seen running through the water headed south towards Hempstead 56.

 

Agents and Deputies assisted by HPD Investigators pursued Cox through the water and observed Cox exit the creek and run through a pasture at the corner of Hempstead 56 and Patmos Road. K9 Officer Justin Dean with the Hope Police Department was on scene and gave commands for Cox to stop running and give up. Cox refused to stop and give up. K9 Officer Dean turned the K9 lose and gave the command to apprehend Cox. The K9 was able to catch Cox and apprehend him. Cox was taken into custody by officers without further incidence.

 

Cox was transported to Wadley hospital where he was treated for minor injuries from the K9 and released. Cox was then transported to the HCDF by Hempstead County Deputies.

 

Cox was booked for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession with purpose to deliver Methamphetamine, Delivery of Meth/Cocaine, Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearm, Escape 3rd degree. He is being Held Pending a first court appearance.