Jefferson County, Arkansas – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), in collaboration with the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, England Police Department, and Arkansas State Police, has announced enhanced law enforcement operations for Saturday, April 26, 2025, in anticipation of a large public gathering that has sparked concerns around safety, planning, and public order.
The event in question is a trail riding gathering organized by Cashout Nick and the Natural State Ryders and friends. According to promotions, the event is set to take place at 13804 North Highway 15 in England, Arkansas, with gates opening at noon. Organizers expect a crowd exceeding 2,800 attendees. Promotional materials for the event have stated, “Police and security will be strictly enforced,” but local authorities have raised red flags about the lack of proper coordination ahead of the gathering.
In a joint statement issued by the partnering agencies, officials emphasized that the event organizers did not reach out to local law enforcement in Jefferson or Lonoke Counties before publicly announcing the event. As of the time of the statement, communication and coordination efforts remain incomplete, heightening concerns over the event’s oversight and safety protocols.
While officials acknowledge the right of individuals to gather peacefully, the scale of the event, coupled with uncertainties surrounding its security arrangements, has prompted law enforcement to take proactive steps. “We have serious reservations about the proposed security personnel, as they are individuals associated with the trail ride organizations who do not possess the authority to enforce criminal statutes or maintain peace during the event,” officials stated.
The rural nature of the event’s location—positioned in the northern part of Jefferson County—also plays a major role in the response. With emergency response times potentially delayed due to distance, JCSO has planned a full operational setup to address any incidents efficiently. A mobile command post and communications center will be stationed in nearby Tucker, Arkansas, and the department’s Special Response Team will remain on standby, ready to deploy if crowd control or emergency response becomes necessary.
Additionally, law enforcement presence will be heightened throughout the area. Jefferson County deputies will monitor Highway 15 North for traffic concerns and assist with general safety. Their efforts will be supported by patrol units from the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office and the England Police Department. Furthermore, aerial surveillance will be provided by JCSO’s “Air 1” aviation unit, which will serve as a live observation platform to help manage any emerging situations from above.
“All agencies involved hope for a peaceful event without incident, but we stand ready to respond to any and all contingencies that may arise,” the statement read. “The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority.”
Law enforcement officials also reminded participants that while they support public gatherings, state laws, county ordinances, and city codes will be strictly enforced throughout the duration of the event. This includes restrictions on stopping, standing, or parking along the highway. Attendees are being asked to respect the safety of all individuals and adhere to regulations in order to avoid disruptions or enforcement actions.
Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley and England Police Chief Richard Friend echoed this sentiment, urging attendees to remain respectful, lawful, and cooperative. “We ask that all participants respect the laws of our counties and the safety of all individuals present,” they stated, emphasizing that public safety will remain the cornerstone of all law enforcement efforts on April 26.
As the date draws near, law enforcement will continue to monitor developments and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the event proceeds safely. Updates and additional details may be provided by each department as needed.
Those seeking more information or who witness anything of concern on the day of the event are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.
