Louisiana Fugitive Arrested in Arkansas After Manhunt

Richard Dewayne Pope, a 40-year-old fugitive from Oak Grove, Louisiana, was arrested without incident by Arkansas State Police on May 22 in Eudora after a nationwide manhunt. Pope, considered dangerous due to his violent history, was located at a convenience store on Highway 65 South following a tip from the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office. He faces multiple felony charges including six counts of second-degree attempted murder, six counts of impeding a witness, insurance fraud, aggravated arson, and obstruction of justice for evidence destruction. Pope also has a prior arrest for aggravated assault with a firearm. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Drew County Detention Center and is awaiting extradition to Louisiana. The case highlights ongoing cooperation between state law enforcement agencies.