Tammy Curtis, Managing Editor, Publisher
An Indiana man was arrested following a manhunt in Fulton County today, Jan. 30, according to a brief “press release” posted on the official website of Fulton County, Arkansas.
While no time frame was listed for the manhunt that took place in the area around Wood Valley Road just outside of Salem.
It is unclear what time the manhunt was taking place, but according to one news agency release, quoted as being from Sheriff Jake Smith, state the offender was “Sheriff does not believe he is armed and dangerous as he has had no violent interactions with local law enforcement, but all fleeing subjects are treated as potential danger.” The public was not informed of the manhunt before the afternoon press release.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page still shows no details or information about the manhunt hours after the suspect’s arrest.
The release indicated that officials in Terre Haute, Ind., contacted the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department regarding Joseph Canulli, 58, of Terre Haute, on two felony warrants. Canulli fled upon the arrival of officers from the Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish, and the Arkansas Department of Corrections search dog team from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock. Officers conducted an extensive search of the area where he fled. Canulli was later located by the ADC dog team and taken into custody.
Cannuli has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1998 in the Terre Haute area. He is listed as a habitual offender. His convictions stem from 17 different charges, including dealing drugs and possession, to Resisting Law Enforcement using a vehicle to commit an offense, and Resisting Law Enforcement def. knowingly or intentionally fleeing from law enforcement and Reckless Driving at an unreasonable high or low speed to endanger safety
In June of 2025, Cannuli’s trial on the charges was set for Dec. 5, 2025. He was arrested on Dec. 12, 2025, in Vigo County, Indiana, in Terre Haute. It was rescheduled to Dec. 8, then again to July 20, 2026. A bench warrant for a petition to revoke was granted on Dec. 3 for $35,000, cash only, after he fled to Fulton County and did not appear in court.
The latest of Canulli’s long list of felony charges that initially placed him on probation with several court-ordered requirements stemmed from an April 24, 2025, arrest. Cannabis’ felonies, including: Dealing Methamphetamine, greater than 10 grams, possession of methamphetamine, and dealing marijuana between 30 grams and 10 pounds. Misdemeanors of possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended driver’s license with a prior DWI less than 10 years ago.
It is unclear at this time if Canulli will be extradited back to Indiana to face his charges or what charges he will face in Fulton County. We will update this story after charges are filed and Sheriff Derek Fell provides an update to this news agency.
