HOPE – The Hope Police Department responded to numerous calls for service on the evening of
Saturday, August 1, 2026, and into the early morning hours of Sunday, August 2, 2026,
following an advertised trail ride event that took place in rural Hempstead County.
During the course of the trail ride, Hope/Hempstead County dispatchers received multiple calls
reporting a variety of incidents, including a participant passing out, four-wheelers and horses
trespassing on private property, threats being made, and an incident in which event security
reportedly disarmed an individual who was in possession of a firearm.
As the event concluded, it appeared that a large number of attendees traveled into the City of
Hope, resulting in an increased number of calls for service and requiring a significant law
enforcement response.
The following incidents were reported:
9:49 p.m. – Hope Police officers were dispatched to the Exxon Superstation on North Hervey
Street to disperse a small crowd gathered in the parking lot.
10:32 p.m. – Officers returned to the Exxon Superstation after receiving reports of people
fighting and a much larger crowd assembling.
11:23 p.m. – Dispatch received a report of gun shots being fired from a vehicle in the 1600 block
of North Hervey Street. (Property damage to Wendy’s)
11:30 p.m. – Officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of North Hazel Street regarding a large
group of juveniles who were reportedly about to engage in a fight.
11:57 p.m. – Officers responded to Taco Bell after management requested assistance in clearing
the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers observed fights occurring in the area between Waffle
House and Taco Bell.
12:30 a.m. (August 2) – Dispatch received a report from a caller stating she had been shot at
during the trail ride event.
2:49 a.m. (August 2) – Officers responded to the 1400 block of North Spruce Street after
receiving reports of individuals standing outside with firearms.
As a result, an increased police presence was necessary and resulted in the following arrest.
Rayann Williams, 21 of Gurdon, AR. (Failure to Appear Warrant)
Skyla McClelland, 20 of Arkadelphia, AR. (Driving while Intoxicated)
Tobias Henry, 25 of Prescott, AR. (Public Intoxication)
Vonte Frank, 23 of Atlanta, TX. (Disorderly Conduct)
Shakira Manning, 20 of Hope, AR. (Disorderly Conduct)
Vontre Anderson, 23 of Texarkana, TX. (Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Marijuana)
Aiden Collums-Dean, 18 of Hope, AR. (Minor in Possession of Alcohol)
Payton Smith, 18 of Emmet, AR. (Minor in Possession of Alcohol)
Juvenile Male (Minor in Possession of Alcohol)
The Hope Police Department is aware of social media post indicating that multiple people were
shot during these events. There are no reports and no evidence that anyone was shot.
The Hope Police Department would like to thank the multiple Hempstead County Sheriff’s
Deputies and Arkansas State Police Troopers for their assistance during this time.
The Hope Police Department appreciates the cooperation of the community and reminds event
organizers and attendees that large gatherings require responsible planning and conduct to ensure
the safety of participants and the public. Individuals with information related to any of these
incidents are encouraged to contact the Hope Police Department.