Patrick Bryan Clark booking photo (W.C. "Dub" Brassell Adult Detention Center)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Major Gary McClain

870.541.5351 Office / 870.329.5638 Cell

Email:  gary.mcclain@jeffcoso.org

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JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ARREST REDFIELD, ARKANSAS RESIDENT FOR TERRORISTIC THREATENING IN CONNECTION WITH AN INCIDENT INVOLVING THE JEFFERSON COUNTY ASSESSOR'S REAL ESTATE OFFICE:  Jefferson County, Arkansas - July 20, 2023 - On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, an employee of the Jefferson County Assessor's Real Estate Office reported a concerning interaction with Patrick Bryan Clark, 50. According to the employee's account, during a call to the office regarding an increase in new property rates, Clark engaged in aggressive behavior, using racial epithets, and issued a threat to shoot anyone from the Real Estate Office who set foot on his property.

In accordance with Arkansas law Ark. Code. Ann. (A.C.A.) § 26-26-1101, it is the duty of the county assessor to appraise and assess all real property, and taxpayers are required to annually assess their tangible personal property for ad valorem taxes during the period specified in A.C.A. § 26-26-1408.

Jefferson County is mandated to conduct reappraisals of all market value real estate normally assessed by the county assessor at its full and fair market value at least once every five (5) years from the previous assessment. The most recent reappraisal was conducted in 2018, and the county has been under a reappraisal process for the past five years, necessitating notices to be mailed out to residents.

During the verbal assault on the employee, Clark continued his offensive language, referring to him as a "Pine Bluff N-word" and threatening to go to the Jefferson County Circuit Courthouse. The employee promptly terminated the call. In adherence to courthouse security protocols, all offices within the courthouse were immediately alerted to the incident, and additional sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the courthouse. Simultaneously, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigators lead by Captain Yohance Brunson initiated a search for Clark.

At approximately 5:30 a.m., following surveillance of Clark's residence in Redfield, Arkansas, investigators located him departing in a white Ford Truck registered to him. A traffic stop was conducted, and Clark was identified as the driver. He was taken into custody and transported to JCSO's Criminal Investigation Division, where he was advised of his Constitutional Rights per Miranda, which he voluntarily waived in writing. Currently, Clark is being held at the W.C. "Dub" Brassell Adult Detention Center.

Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. stated, "The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office takes all threats of violence and offensive behavior very seriously, and we are committed to upholding the safety and security of our community. Acts of terroristic threatening and racially motivated misconduct will not be tolerated, and we will pursue legal action against any individual engaging in such behavior."

Sheriff Woods expresses gratitude to the diligent work of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigators for their swift response and resolution of this incident. "We also commend the employee of the Jefferson County Assessor's Real Estate Office for handling the situation appropriately and promptly reporting the incident," said Sheriff Woods.

Clark is currently facing charges of Terroristic Threatening, and the case will be thoroughly reviewed and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Our office remains steadfast in ensuring that justice is served and that our community remains safe and secure for all its residents.