WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

4/16/24

On Sunday at approximately 9:00 am, Lt. Rennie Cates and Corrections Corporal Dylan Toombs were off duty and travelling back to Illinois on interstate 40 near West Memphis Arkansas.  

These off-duty Deputies observed an Arkansas State Trooper had a vehicle at gunpoint that he had just forced off of the road and did not have backup.  The subject refused to comply, and the Arkansas State Trooper deployed his K9 and the suspect still refused to surrender.  Lt. Cates and Corporal Toombs notified the trooper they were off duty law enforcement and could assist.  The Trooper retrieved his K9 partner and Lt. Cates and Corporal Toombs restrained the suspect and placed him in handcuffs.  The two then escorted the prisoner to the trooper’s squad car.

The Arkansas State Trooper contacted Wayne County Sheriff Chris Otey and praised Lt. Cates and Corporal Toombs.  The trooper stated he was by himself and when they showed up he said “They were a sight for sore eyes.”

Sheriff Otey said he is very proud of Lt. Cates and Corporal Toombs for their willingness to jump to action even when they are off duty and in another state.  Cates and Toombs will be recognized and presented with a certificate of commendation for their bravery.