A trustee at the Lonoke County Detention Center allegedly walked away from a work detail on jail grounds Monday, prompting a multi-agency search that ended with his apprehension near a wooded area in Lonoke, according to a press release from the Lonoke County Sheriffs Office dated March 2, 2026.
The suspect, identified as Matthew Gross, was assigned to a work detail operating outside the secure portion of the detention facility when he allegedly left without authorization. Deputies, the Tucker K-9 Unit, and the Lonoke Police Department responded and established a perimeter as a coordinated search got underway.
Citizens reported spotting Gross in a wooded area near Catfish Road in Lonoke. He was apprehended without further incident.
Gross now faces additional charges as a result of the incident, including Escape in the Third Degree, a Class C felony; Resisting Arrest, a Class A misdemeanor; and Interfering with Vital Facilities, a Class A misdemeanor. Sheriff John Staley said additional charges may be forthcoming.
Sheriff Staley thanked the participating deputies, the K-9 unit, Lonoke Police Department, and community members for their quick response in bringing the situation to a swift resolution.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
