UPDATE Nov. 19, 2019, 8:10 p.m.: The Independence County Sheriff’s Department is reporting on its Facebook page that Bradley Smith has been located and is safe. No further information was posted.
Previous story:
“We’re working on that case this morning.”
Those were the words of Independence County Chief Deputy Sheriff Aaron Moody earlier today regarding the disappearance of an employee of the Desha Flash Market.
According to a fellow employee at the convenience store, Bradley Smith, 17, had taken the trash out to the dumpster on Nov. 16 and never returned to the store. That employee also told investigators from the sheriff’s department that he called Smith’s older brother and legal guardian, identified in the incident report as Gerrick Smith, and advised him that Smith was missing.
When Gerrick Smith arrived at the store, he and the employee looked around the area for Bradley and then looked at the store’s security cameras, according to the report. Smith told Adam McGilton, an investigator with the sheriff’s department, that the camera that points toward the dumpster did not work. The employee also told McGilton that Bradley Smith’s hoodie, phone, and keys were found in his work area at the store.
Gerrick Smith told McGilton Bradley’s disappearance concerned him because Bradley never left his phone behind.
Gerrick Smith’s wife, Taylor, made a public appeal this morning to Bradley.
“If anyone has seen or heard from Bradley Smith, please give me a call. My number is (870) 291-3212 or contact the Independence County Sheriff’s Department,” Taylor Smith told White River Now by phone this morning. “Bradley, if you’re out there, and you hear me, you won’t be in trouble. Just call me and let me know you’re okay.”
To listen to her comments, click below.
The phone number for the Independence County Sheriff’s Department is (870) 793-8838. Smith was last seen wearing khaki shorts, a black beanie, a black shirt, and tennis shoes.
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