Law enforcement is actively searching for Christopher Davenport, 38, of Forrest City, discovered missing from the St. Francis County Detention Center in Arkansas on Monday, November 24, 2025.
News out of Arkansa

A manhunt is underway is after law enforcement said a prisoner being held on violent criminal charges escaped from custody in Arkansas.

Christopher Davenport, 38, disappeared from the St. Francis County Detention Center in Arkansas, state police announced on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

The facility is in Forrest City, about 90 miles northeast of Little Rock, the state capital.

The fugitive was discovered missing from the jail during a routine headcount on the evening of Nov. 24, Arkansas State Police reported.

At the time of his disappearance, Davenport, who lived in Forrest City before his arrest, was being held under trustee status and faced felony charges, including first-degree battery, two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, and weapons offenses.

The U.S. Marshals captured Davenport on Sept. 19 after a shooting incident at the Star One Food Mart in Forrest City. He was transported to the St. Francis County Detention Center, where he was awaiting trial on additional charges.

Arkansas State Police, in coordination with the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service, are actively searching for the fugitive.

What to do if you see escaped inmate Christopher Davenport

He is not to be approached, police said.

Anyone with information regarding Davenport’s whereabouts is asked to contact the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 633-2611, or the Arkansas State Police at (870) 633-1454.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Manhunt underway for escaped inmate facing violent felony charges

Reporting by Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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