30-04-2025
Searcy bowling alley manager arrested with no bond after fentanyl overdose
SEARCY, Ark. – Authorities said two men have been arrested after one overdosed in a Searcy bowling alley earlier in the month.
After an investigation, Searcy police arrested Super Bowl manager James Preston Tarkington, who survived the overdose. He is now in jail with no bond. His charges include fentanyl possession and drug paraphernalia possession.
Fentanyl overdose in Searcy bowling alley leads to two arrests
Authorities also charged John Sterling Holmes with trafficking a controlled substance after finding fentanyl and other drug paraphernalia inside the bowling alley and Holmes's car. He has a $150,000 bond.
The bowling alley on Main Street is popular for birthdays and league play. It was a frequent spot for Charity Boyd, who played on the Searcy High School bowling team and later worked for Tarkington.
'He would come over. He would show us how to do certain things alongside Coach Leonard,' Boyd remembered.
Lonoke County pursuit leaves deputy, K9 and others injured
Barbie Whitlow used to bowl there and stated the families are lucky the two were caught because she knows fentanyl can destroy far more than reputations. Her daughter, Amanda Destiny, died from a fentanyl overdose in September 2024.
'Those guys were 32 years old. Both of them were, and Amanda would be 32 today,' Whitlow said.
Jessica Brawley also lives in White County. She hopes there is a future for both men and the place where generations of families have gone for entertainment.
'It is shocking. I mean, you're in a family place and you're doing fentanyl,' Brawley said. 'I'll make the drive for my kids to have a good time and be safe.'
AG Tim Griffin among 25 attorney generals urging US Senate to pass 'HALT Fentanyl Act'
Holmes' first court date is June 3. Tarkington's is on July 8.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
