Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Prescott Man Drowns In Pond

A 70-year-old Prescott man drowned while fishing in a pond off County Road 32 Tuesday, June 3.

According to reports from the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, a call came in at approximately 1:35 p.m. from the landfill, stating there was a possible drowning.

Nevada County Sheriff Steve Otwell and Chief Deputy Wayne Kisselburg responded, as did members of the Nevada County Rescue Unit and Nevada County Ambulance Service.

Upon arrival, Otwell removed his shoes and dove into the pond searching for the body. However, he was unable to locate it.

According to Leonard Jefferson, of Prescott, who was fishing with the victim, T.C. Pearson, Pearson had hooked a fish and stood up in the boat to reel it in.

However, the boat began rocking and tipped over, spilling the two men into the water.

Jefferson told deputies he couldn't swim but was wearing a life jacket. He said Pearson had told him he could swim and wasn't wearing a life jacket.

According to reports, when they fell out of the boat Jefferson saw Pearson treading water. But when he reached shore and looked back all he saw was bubbles.

Jefferson reportedly went to the landfill and made the call to the NCSO.

Members of the NCRU dragged the pond, finding Pearson's body. Crews with the NCAS attempted lifesaving measures to no avail. Pearson was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:21 p.m.

DRUG BUST

Two Waldo men were charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance after being stopped for a traffic violation.

NCSO Deputy Jason Arrington, was patrolling on County Road 123 south of Willisville Friday at about 3 p.m. when he stopped a vehicle on a traffic offense.

A search revealed two bags of a green leafy substance believes to be marijuana weighing less than an ounce.

Kerry Lee Beason, 42, and Donald R. Wade, 49, were arrested on the misdemeanor charge and released on $850 bond each.

FAMILY PROBLEMS

A family dispute starting in Hempstead County spilled over into Nevada County Friday afternoon.

According to Jim Westmoreland, criminal investigator with the Prescott Police Department and Nevada County Sheriff's Office, Richard D. Newton, 40, of Hope, and his nephew, Jeremy Newton, 19, also of Hope, became involved in an altercation at their home.

The elder Newton left, coming to Nevada County. However, the younger Newton reportedly forced Richard Newton off the road on Highway 53 south of Bodcaw.

The two got into a fight at the scene, with both receiving injuries at the time. A weapon was also brought into the foray, with shots fired, but no one being shot.

The battle escalated, resulting in Jeremy Newton being taken to Medical Park Hospital in Hope by the NCAS.

Richard Newton was arrested by Sheriff Otwell. He is expected to be charged with second degree domestic battering, aggravated assault and criminal mischief in the first degree.

ACCIDENT

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle accident Thursday, June 5, at about 2:30 p.m. on Highway 67.

According to reports from the PPD, a 1998 Toyota, driven by William East, 36, of Rosston, made a left turn onto Hale Ave. from Hwy. 67, into the path of a 1997 Mercury, driven by James Franklin, 72, of Gurdon.

Franklin applied his brakes, skidding about 97 feet, but was unable to avoid the collision which left both vehicles totaled.

Franklin, his wife, Sarah, and a passenger, Michael Ziegler, were injured in the wreck. They were taken to Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia by the NCAS.

East was cited for failure to yield the right of way.

VEHICLE RECOVERED

A 1982 Mercury reported stolen in Camden was recovered in Prescott Monday, June 9, during the wee hours of the morning.

According to reports from the PPD, at about 2 a.m., an officer saw the car turn right from Highway 67 onto West Elm without using a turn signal.

The officer ran the vehicle's license plate, learning it had been reported stolen. The officer was told who the juvenile driver may be by the dispatcher. The vehicle was pulled over, and both it and the juvenile driver were taken to the NCSO where they were held.

The youth was picked up by the Camden Police Department, while the car was turned over to its owner, Doyce Dean.