Kansas Murder Suspect Previously At Large Arrested During Arkansas Traffic Stop

Kansas Murder Suspect Previously At Large Arrested During Arkansas Traffic Stop

Authorities have confirmed that a Kansas murder suspect who had remained at large for weeks is now in custody following a traffic stop in Arkansas.

On February 26, 2026, deputies with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department assisted the Arkansas State Police during a traffic stop along U.S. Highway 65 in Clinton, Arkansas. What began as a routine stop quickly escalated into a significant arrest tied to a violent case out of Kansas.

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Joshua Paul Pourciau of Winfield, Kansas. Authorities say Pourciau had been wanted in connection with a December 21, 2025 shooting at the Walnut Towers apartment complex in Winfield.

The case initially saw the arrest of 31-year-old Rocky Leroy Brown on January 4, 2026. Brown was charged with attempted first-degree murder in relation to the shooting. However, investigators indicated that Pourciau was also tied to the incident and had an active warrant issued for his arrest. Following Brown’s apprehension, Pourciau remained at large, with authorities believing he could be in Kansas, Arkansas, or Louisiana.

For weeks, law enforcement agencies worked to track his whereabouts.

During Thursday’s traffic stop in Clinton, officials reported that Pourciau was found in possession of a firearm, an illegal substance, and drug paraphernalia. Those additional findings may result in further charges beyond the warrant tied to the Kansas shooting.

Pourciau was taken into custody without reported incident and is currently being held at the Van Buren County Detention Center. Jail records indicate he is being held “on hold for other agencies,” pending extradition back to Kansas where he is expected to face charges related to the December shooting.

The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has spanned multiple states and involved coordination between local and state law enforcement agencies. Officials have not yet released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the original shooting or Pourciau’s alleged role, as the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities encourage anyone with additional information related to the case to contact law enforcement. Further updates are expected as extradition proceedings move forward and court appearances are scheduled in Kansas.