On August 5, Searcy County Deputy Joey Baysinger conducted a stop of a pickup truck headed south on Hwy. 65 entering Marshall. During the stop, Baysinger ran their personal information through the Arkansas crime information system and learned the driver was 35 year old Ashley Manning of Marshall and passenger was 31 year old Rufus Williams of Harrison.

According to Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell,  Marshall Police Officer Kevin Ward arrived on the scene to assist with the stop. At that time, Baysinger enlisted the assistance of K-9 Deputy Vader, who conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle. While conducting the sniff, Vader gave an alert on the driver side door.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found a glass container containing a leafy green substance, consistent with marijuana, within reach of both Manning and Williams and four small children. Williams also admitted that he has a glass smoking pipe hidden in his clothing. In the truck, officers also found another bag with a green leafy substance, a syringe, small plastic bags and a digital scale with white crystal residue on it.

The children were turned over to a family friend and Manning and Williams were arrested and taken to the Searcy County Detention Center where they were charged. Manning was charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia, felony of a schedule VI narcotic with purpose to deliver and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of minor, 2nd degree, risking serious physical/mental harm. Williams was charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia, felony of a schedule VI narcotic and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of minor, 2nd degree, risking serious physical/mental harm.