Columbia County Sheriff’s Office

09/14/2026

***PRESS RELEASE ***

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Hwy 19 South and Hwy 98 in the Walkerville area to a deceased person. The call came after a transport company released a resident of that location; that resident refused to go into the residence and told the transport company of a deceased person inside of that same residence. When Deputies arrived, the body of Brian Joseph Wright (58) of Florida but a resident of Emerson, was discovered. After Detectives arrived and evidence collected, Eddie L. Grainger(75) also of Emerson was arrested and charged with 2nd degree Murder and abuse of a co**se. The investigation is in the early stages, and the body of Brian Wright will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an examination. Eddie Grainger is currently being held at The Columbia County Detention Facility awaiting First Appearance.

09/08/2026

Please see this statement in reference to ICE.

***Special Statement Concerning ICE***

Citizens of Columbia County

Let me first address the inaccurate reporting concerning ICE at this evenings Quorum Court Meeting.
The 287g Program is a State Law Requirement that All County Jails will not release any undocumented immigrants that is in custody in that Facility. Again this is a State Law. Since this is Mandatory, The 287g program is designed to compensate that facility for holding that person until they are either processed or released by ICE. ICE has been in Columbia County with no incidents.
In order to be compensated for the individual’s stay, we must have a line item to be compensated and those monies must be for law enforcement only according to the agreement. This is the same as The Arkansas Department of Corrections compensating a jail for housing prisoners. More will be discussed at tonight’s meeting. This program will Not Cost the County any money, and I want to assure you that this is not what has been reported.

08/03/2026

Just to let the public know - our office will never call and ask for payment for fines or warrants over the phone.
We do have online payments available for paying fines if you need to use them; however, we do not accept any form of gift cards from Walmart for payment.

07/28/2026

Save the date!!!! Times will be announced at a later date. It will be determined on the registration numbers. Friday will be closed to the general public for team registration and welcome dinner. Saturday will be the competition day and WILL be open to the public! * FREE ADMISSION*

07/23/2026

Columbia County Detention Facility is seeking applicants for jailers. We have an immediate openings for male jailers. Must be 18 years of age with high school diploma or equivalent, be able to pass background check, drug screening and psychological evaluation. This position does require shift work, including nights, weekends, and some holidays.
You may pick up applications here at the sheriff’s office at 82 Columbia 300 during regular business hours, Monday - Thursday 8:00 - 4:30 PM, and Friday 8: 00 - 3:30 PM.

07/15/2026

Come out in the morning to donate and show your support for Life Share!

07/02/2026

Mark your calendars to come out and donate!

06/24/2026

Thank you to Rob Ramos with K9s United for ensuring that K-9 Aslan is safe in our unit. K9s United donated the AceK9 Hot-N-Pop Pro for our department's use. The Hot-N-Pop Pro monitors the vehicle's interior temperature, alerts if the temperature gets too hot, and also allows K-9 Aslan's handler to release the door with a remote control, if need be. This technology is a necessity for K-9s that are on standby in vehicles.
We appreciate K9s United's dedication and commitment to K-9 safety!

05/13/2026

05/11/2026

Honoring All that have given the Ultimate Sacrifice and beyond!!!