The Izard County Sheriff’s Department and the Arkansas State Police are investigating a Calico Rock house fire that is suspected to be the result of arson.  The house, owned and occupied by Bruce and Brandy Sandy
located at 12 Bonnie Street Calico Rock was reported as being on fire around 9:a.m. Thursday . No one was in the house when fire fighters  from Calico Rock and Pineville arrived.  Two persons of interest have been identified at the current stage of the investigation.  Sheriff Tate Lawrence said that charges are expected to be filed against the two within the next  day or two..  The investigation is continuing.  Sheriff Lawrence said that this is the second arson fire in the county with the past couple of weeks. Arson charges have already been filed in the earlier arson.

ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF MELBOURNE MAN

An early morning motor vehicle accident Friday near the Stella community claimed the life of a Melbourne man.  Cory Hopper, age 33 was driving a vehicle that left the roadway, clipped a utility pole, ran through a fence, and landed  upside down in the water filled quarry.  Sheriff Tate Lawrence said that   Izard County Coroner Eddie Howard pronounced Hopper dead at the scene.

News Release

For Immediate Release

February 20, 2012

POC: Sheriff Tate Lawrence