By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
***UPDATED at 1:40 p.,. on Sunday, July 26, 2026. According to the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect wanted in this case was just recently apprehended and taken into custody. We will provide a mugshot and more details as they become available to us.
OZARK— An Ozark Police officer suffered what was believed to be a broken nose and a tooth injury after being assaulted during a domestic disturbance on Sunday, July 26, at around 11:00 a.m. in the Hillcrest Homes neighborhood.
The incident began as officers responded to a reported family disturbance near Hillcrest Street. During the encounter, a male suspect allegedly refused officers’ commands before fleeing the scene in a vehicle, prompting a high-speed pursuit through portions of Ozark.
According to dispatch discussions, the pursuit traveled along several streets and intersections, including James Street, the Church Street stop sign, College Street and Newton Avenue, Union Avenue, and North Parker Drive before continuing northbound on North Union Avenue.
Dispatch communications indicated the suspect reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot near the Turner Avenue and Jernigan Street area. Some reports indicate the vehicle may have crashed before the suspect abandoned it and fled on foot.
The suspect was described over the radio as a male wearing all black. After he fled on foot, officers established a perimeter around the neighborhood and requested the assistance of a K-9 unit to track the suspect. The Dale County Sheriff’s Office released a statement notifying the public of the situation and asking people to avoid the area if possible.
During the confrontation, an Ozark Police officer requested emergency medical assistance after reportedly being struck in the face. Dispatch traffic indicated the officer was suffering heavy bleeding from the nose, with responders believing the officer may have sustained a broken nose. A subsequent dispatch update also indicated the officer may have suffered a tooth injury.
Ozark Fire and EMS personnel were dispatched to treat the injured officer. Separate dispatch traffic also indicated emergency medical crews responded to a medical call at a residence on Hillcrest Street in connection with the original domestic disturbance.
As officers searched the area, dispatch communications referenced possible charges including assault on a law enforcement officer and attempting to elude police. However, no formal charges had been announced as of publication, and authorities had not confirmed whether the suspect had been taken into custody.
The Ozark Police Department has not yet released an official statement identifying the suspect, detailing the circumstances surrounding the assault, or providing an update on the officer’s condition.
Because this report is based primarily on emergency dispatch communications, some details may change as investigators continue their work and additional facts are released through official channels. The Dale County Chronicle will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
