From the desk of Sheriff Scott Bradley

On November 14th, 2016, at approximately 6:05 AM, Detention Officers from the Van Buren County Detention Center where picking up breakfast dishes, from the pods and found 33 year old Steven Brainard of Stone County hanging in his pod. CPR was started by detention officers and paramedic’s where called. Corner pronounced Brainard deceased at the scene. Brainard had be locked down, after resisting and fighting with law enforcement upon his intake. Arkansas State Police are investigating the incident. Preliminary investigation by the Arkansas State Police is that Brainard committed suicide. The Investigation is still on going and findings will be submitted to the 20th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney for review.