06/21/2025
Photo: Sheridan Police Officer Melanie Espinsoa (right) and sister, Ashlee.
Sheridan community rallies around injured officer
By Gretchen Ritchey
The Sheridan community is rallying to support one of its own after a devastating vehicle accident left Sheridan Police officer Melanie Espinosa (22) and her sister, Ashlee Espinosa (19) with serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
The crash occurred on May 22, while Espinosa was off duty in Saline County.
Both women face a lengthy recovery and mounting medical expenses, prompting friends, fellow officers, and community members to step up to help.
Espinosa said that she and her sister feel very blessed for the outpouring of community support. “The support is amazing,” said Espinosa. “Makes you realize that there are really good people out there.”
Although Espinosa has comp-time and medical leave, that could come to an end before she is medically released for work. Doctors predict it will be at least five months, possibly longer before she may return to Sheridan Police Department. .
Sheridan Police Chief Jason Teague brought the matter up to Sheridan City Council members at the June meeting, stating that catastrophic leave may be requested and that employees could put their banked time into her account.
Mayor Cain Nattin as well as many other city officials and employees have already donated leave time to Espinosa.
The Blue Knights Arkansas IV – Pine Bluff Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club has organized a crawfish fundraiser on Saturday, June 28 beginning at 9 a.m. in the old Mad Butcher parking lot at 815 Rock Street in Sheridan.
Live music will be provided by the band Sometimes Sideways. Other family-friendly events include a dunking booth, adding fun and community spirit to the serious cause.
In addition to the crawfish sale, the event will feature a car, bike, and Jeep show with a $20 registration fee per entry. Participants must register by 9 a.m. the morning of the event.
Crawfish plates will be sold for $20 each, which includes sides, dessert, and a drink. Call ahead and text orders are welcomed by contacting (870) 917-8853.
All proceeds go directly to the Espinosa family to assist with their growing medical costs.
Espinosa has served with the Sheridan Police Department for two years. Her first year she worked at the Detention Center and a year ago became a patrol officer.
Blue Knights Arkansas IV - Pine Bluff Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club is a motorcycle club for Law Enforcement professionals. It is the largest law enforcement motorcycle club in the world, Full time or retire professional municipal, county, state, or federal agency or institution officers are eligible to join.
