Woodruff County man found guilty of assaulting sheriff during fight in beanfield

WOODRUFF COUNTY, Ark. – A Woodruff County man was found guilty of assaulting the county sheriff during a disagreement in a beanfield last year.

According to court records, a farmer in Woodruff County called dispatchers to report that his combine was on fire in his beanfield near Three Forks Road on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.

The affidavit states that Woodruff County Sheriff Phil Reynolds responded to assist with the combine fire when 67-year-old Joseph Rudick approached him, resulting in a fight between the two.

The court document noted that Rudick and Reynolds sustained multiple facial wounds, including cuts and swelling. Both were taken to a local hospital for treatment, according to the affidavit.

Arkansas State Police officials said that deputies with the Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office asked special agents to investigate the fight between Rudick and Reynolds.

Investigators said Reynolds took Rudick into custody before contacting ASP officials for assistance. Rudick was arrested by special agents on Nov. 8, 2023, according to ASP.

On Wednesday, Rudick entered a no-contest plea and was found guilty of felony second-degree battery on a law enforcement officer.

Rudick was sentenced to three years of probation and was ordered to pay the Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office restitution of $3,000.

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