BEARDS BLUFF – On Monday, at approximately 3:00 p.m., deputies with the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Beard’s Bluff at Lake Millwood in reference to a report of a possible explosive device that had reportedly been thrown into the lake.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a male subject from Jacksonville, Arkansas, who advised officers that he believed there might be a bomb inside a guitar case and that he had thrown the case into Millwood Lake.
During the investigation, deputies discovered several disassembled computer components inside the subject’s vehicle. Deputies also located pliers and other tools in a fire ring at a nearby campsite.
Due to the possibility of an explosive device being in the lake, deputies contacted the Hempstead County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad.
The Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad arrived at the scene near dark and began searching the shoreline and surrounding area. A boat provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was utilized to assist with the search. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Enforcement Officers also responded to provide additional assistance.
SEARCH OPERATIONS SUSPENDED UNTIL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2026
The search continued until approximately 10:30 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, when operations were suspended due to darkness. The search is scheduled to resume Tuesday morning, November 10, 2026, when visibility and conditions will allow officers to continue their efforts safely.
Search operations are scheduled to resume, and this remains an active investigation. We do not think this to be a creditable threat However out of an abundance of caution we are treating it as such as to ensure the safety of the public The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office will provide additional information to the public as it becomes available.
The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance and cooperation of the Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad, Hempstead County Office of Emergency Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Enforcement Officers.
The public is reminded not to approach or handle any suspicious objects or items that could potentially be explosive. Anyone who observes something suspicious should immediately contact law enforcement.