BEARD’s BLUFF – The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update regarding the investigation into a report of a possible explosive device that was reportedly thrown into Millwood Lake near Beard’s Bluff on Monday, November 9, 2026.
On Monday, at approximately 3:00 p.m., deputies with the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Beard’s Bluff at Millwood Lake following a report that a possible explosive device had 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 and Wi-Fi devices inside the subject’s vehicle. Pliers and other tools were also located in a fire ring at a nearby campsite.
Due to the potential threat involving an explosive device and the safety of the public and critical infrastructure, the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Hempstead County Office of Emergency Management and requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad.
The Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad responded and conducted an extensive search of 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.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS
Following an exhaustive two-day investigation, including an extensive search of the area and interviews with the person of interest, investigators have found no credible evidence to indicate that an explosive device was inside the guitar case.
However, investigators did locate a witness who confirmed seeing the individual throw a case into Millwood. Based on the witness account and information obtained during the investigation, investigators believe the individual did, in fact, throw the guitar case into the lake.
During interviews, the individual explained that he had been traveling from Keller, Texas, to his home in Jacksonville, Arkansas, when he began to believe someone may have placed a bomb inside his guitar case. He stated that after seeing a sign directing him toward Millwood Lake and Dam, he traveled to the area and threw the guitar case into the lake because of his concerns.
Investigators also spoke with family members, who reported that the individual had experienced a mental health episode approximately four years ago while living in the Kansas City area. According to family members, he had experienced increasing paranoia since that time and believed people were attempting to harm him or interfere with his personal life.
The individual also told investigators that he believed people were hacking into his personal life and electronic devices. This information helped explain why deputies discovered numerous computer components and Wi-Fi devices that had been disassembled inside his vehicle.
Based on the information gathered during the investigation, investigators believe the individual’s actions may have been influenced by a mental health episode and his belief that he was in danger. This assessment is based on interviews and information provided by the individual and his family members and is not a medical diagnosis.
At this time, investigators have found no credible evidence that an actual explosive device was involved.
CONCLUSION
The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office considers this investigation concluded based on the evidence and information currently available.
We want to emphasize that reports involving possible explosive devices, particularly those involving public waterways, dams, and other critical infrastructure, cannot be taken lightly.
In today’s world, law enforcement agencies must take every precaution when information is received concerning a potential threat to the safety and security of our citizens and critical infrastructure. Although this investigation did not produce evidence of an actual explosive device, the initial report required a serious and coordinated response.
The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance and cooperation of the following agencies:
Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad
Hempstead County Office of Emergency Management
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Enforcement Officers
We also appreciate the cooperation of everyone who assisted investigators during the two-day investigation.
Our responsibility is to protect the citizens of Hempstead County and everyone who visits our area. When a potential threat is reported, we will take every reasonable step necessary to investigate it and ensure public safety.