Phillip Engles (2010 Photo)

Sheriff Danny Hickman reports that on December 1st, 2012 the Boone County Sheriff’s Office responded to Unique Treasures on Highway 65 South in Bellefonte for a report of an armed robbery. Deputies found the store owner had been shot twice by the assailant but said he was able to provide information about the robbery. The store owner was the only victim and suffered one gunshot to the head and another to the left arm.

The Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Highway Police, and Game and Fish Officers as well as the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and Harrison Police Department all assisted in the ensuing investigation. As a result of the investigation, 27 year old Phillip Ray Engles was identified as being the shooter and was believed to be acting alone. Engles was disarmed by the victim and fled the scene with over $1,000 in stolen merchandise.

Sheriff Hickman said Investigators determined Engles dropped off the vehicle used in the robbery as well as some of the stolen items at a residence in southern Boone County.  Engles and a female companion then fled in a four wheel drive truck to a remote area on the Boone County / Newton County line. He was pursued by Game and Fish Officers using all-terrain vehicles; the truck was disabled and abandoned on a remote trail. Phillip Engles left his female companion, 29 year old Mandy Engles, during his flight from the approaching officers. Mandy Engles was taken into custody and is currently being held and is awaiting formal charging for Hindering the Apprehension of Phillip Engles.

Sheriff Hickman requested tracking dogs from the Arkansas Department of Corrections be brought to the area where Engles abandoned the truck. The tracking dogs followed Engles’ trail until the early morning hours on December 2nd, but were unable to locate him. The search effort was scaled back until daylight this morning; and Sheriff Hickman said his deputies and other officers were resuming the search this morning with the assistance of a helicopter search team and close coordination with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.

The store owner was flown to a Springfield, Missouri hospital shortly after the robbery. He was listed in good condition as of early Sunday morning. Sheriff Hickman said he anticipated Phillip Engles being charged with Attempted Capital Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Theft later today. Hickman also said anyone who encounters Engles should consider him to be armed and dangerous. Any one who has information on the whereabouts of Phillip Engles is encouraged to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 741-8404. Persons providing information may remain anonymous.