Full Notification

The Van Buren Police Department is releasing the following information pursuant to Section 13 of Act 989 of 1997, the Sex and Child Offender Registration and the Community Notification Guidelines promulgated the Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence, which authorize law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a sex offender’s release when the release of such information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of an offense that requires registration with the Arkansas Crime Information Center. Further, his previous criminal history places him/her in a classification level that reflects the potential to re-offend.

This offender has advised the Van Buren Police Department that he/she will be living in the location below. HE/SHE IS NOT WANTED BY THE POLICE AT THIS TIME. THE NOTIFICATION IS NOT INTENDED TO INCREASE FEAR; RATHER, IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT AN INFORMED PUBLIC IS A SAFER PUBLIC. The Van Buren Police Department has no legal authority to direct where a sex offender lives. Unless court ordered restrictions exist, this offender is constitutionally free to live wherever he/she chooses.

Bryan Chitwood is a 21 year-old white male who lives in the 300 block of South 42nd in Van Buren. He was convicted of sexual assault involving a juvenile female. He has not assessed a level yet.