Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer with the Big Spring Police Department, said the search for Bynum has yet to turn up any credible leads as to what happened to the Big Spring man, but hopes pleas from the man's family and Crimestoppers — not to mention a sizable cash reward — will eventually tip the scales.

“Big Spring Crimestoppers is once again asking the community for information concerning the disappearance of Bynum,” said Everett. “Crimestoppers is offering a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the discovery of Bynum's location.”

Everett said the $1,000 reward being offered by Crimestoppers is in addition to a $20,000 reward being offered by Bynum's family members.

“You'd like to think someone would come forward and give us something to go on just so the family can go on with their lives,” said Everett. “You want to believe someone will do it because it's the right thing to do. However, that's not always the case, and $21,000 is a lot of money, especially in these tough economic times. We're really hoping the reward will jog a memory or two.”

Bynum was last seen Aug. 14, 2003, in the vicinity of the San Franciscan Bar and Grill, located in downtown Big Spring. According to police reports, witnesses claim he left the establishment late in the evening, supposedly accompanied by another man who has yet to be identified. Bynum’s truck was later found near the bar.

He is described as a white male with short, bleached-blond hair, approximately 165 pounds with blue eyes. He has multiple tattoos and was last seen wearing a white Harley-Davidson tank-top, blue shorts and sandals.

Deanna Hartford, Bynum's mother, said it's been a challenge for her and her family to move forward over the past years without knowing what happened to Arlin.

“We have been completely devastated by his disappearance six years ago. He was always the life of all family gatherings and he loved and adored his family much more than words can tell,” said Hartford. “He was a complete people person and no none was a stranger to him. He would gladly give you the shirt off his back and anything else he had.

“His being gone has left a very large hole in hearts of both family and friends. We always assumed that everyone he met loved him but evidently someone did not as shown by his sudden disappearance.”

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Bynum is encouraged to call Big Spring Area Crimestoppers at 263-TIPS (8477) or 263-TIPS. No caller-ID is ever used, and callers may remain anonymous if they so choose.

Tipsters can also contact BSPD Det. George Oliver, who is currently in charge of the case, at 264-2555.

“Bynum's family has been through enough,” said Everett. “Someone out there knows something that could help us solve this case. We hope they will come forward, even anonymously, so we can finish this.”

In the meantime, however, Everett said the case will remain open and efforts to locate Bynum will continue.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it