On February 18th, 2024, deputies with the Searcy County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Hwy. 74 and Hwy. 65 in Searcy County, on a black Chevrolet Malibu for a traffic violation.  After approaching the vehicle and making contact with the driver, a passenger and an unrestrained small child were also observed in the vehicle.

While speaking with the driver, deputies smelled the odor of intoxicants.  The driver, Jonathon Hewitt was administered a standardized field sobriety test, which he failed.  Both Hewitt and a passenger in the vehicle, Robert Dennis, were taken into custody due to intoxication levels.  An inventory of the vehicle was conducted, at which time, controlled substances were also located inside the vehicle. 

The child in the vehicle was turned over to the Department of Human Services until family members could travel to Searcy County.

Hewitt faces charges of CARELESS AND PROHIBITED DRIVING, NO CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINT, DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED, POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE VI CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A MINOR SECOND DEGREE, and REFUSING A BREATH TEST.  The duo has been scheduled a Searcy County District Court date.