Clayton Edward Wilson

What Happened

According to Jonesboro Police Department internal investigation PS 26-049, Officer Clayton Edward Wilson left work without notifying a supervisor on Aug. 28, 2026, while temporarily assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division on light duty. Department records state he remained clocked in. Camera reviews placed his departure at approximately 8:41–8:42 a.m. and his return at 2:19 p.m., an absence of more than 5½ hours.

Sgt. Chad Hogard and Lt. Jacob Daffron reported that Wilson initially said he had left to get gas, then admitted that explanation was false. Wilson said his neck and back were bothering him and that he had spent hours sitting in his car in a driveway in Jonesboro. According to Hogard, Wilson said he felt he was in the way in the division and did not think anyone would notice his absence.

Supervisors questioned whether he had instead gone to his home in Hoxie after reviewing his return route. Wilson denied going to Hoxie, and the provided records do not establish that he went there.

Read NEA Report’s full story: JPD Officer Fired for Leaving Work, Lying to Supervisor.

Agency Response

JPD conducted an internal investigation. Capt. Scott Baker reported briefing Chief Rick Elliott on Aug. 28 and presenting his findings Sept. 1. Statements from Hogard and Daffron documented the absence and Wilson’s admission that he lied about getting gas. A Sept. 3 summary by Assistant Chief Waterworth reported that supervisors again had difficulty locating Wilson that day before finding him sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot.

Final Outcome

Chief Rick Elliott terminated Wilson’s employment effective Sept. 3, 2026. JPD sustained findings of absence without leave and lying to a supervisor; the internal case lists attendance and dishonesty as sustained. These are departmental disciplinary findings.