A Lawrence County Deputy stopped a vehicle on Feb 25th for a minor violation on Jay Street In Walnut Ridge around 10 pm. The officer stated as he attempted to stop the vehicle it veered into the ditch getting stuck. The vehicle was occupied by 3 subjects, the officer stated as he initiated contact with the driver of the vehicle, he fled on foot after giving the officer a false name. The officer notified the Lawrence County Dispatch of the fleeing subject and a description as he secured both the passengers. Walnut Ridge officers quickly arrived on scene and captured the driver of the vehicle. The front seat passenger identified as Ross Ferrell Flinn of Hoxie was observed moving around and reaching under the passenger seat, as the officer asked him to step out of the vehicle he was also observed throwing something under the vehicle which officers found to be hypodermic needles. Officers also discovered a brown bank bag under the seat of the vehicle containing the drugs. Flinn was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Sch. 1 less than 2 grams, Possession of Meth less than 2 grams, Possession of Controlled Substance without prescription and Tampering With Physical Evidence.
The driver of the vehicle who fled on foot was identified as Jeremy Grooms of Walnut Ridge, he was arrested by the Walnut Ridge Police Department and charged with Fleeing on foot, Driving on Suspended License and Criminal Impersonation. A second passenger identified as Christy Hattenhauer of Walnut Ridge was also arrested in the incident for an outstanding Walnut Ridge Warrant. Officers had the vehicle towed from the scene and the thee suspects were taken to the Lawrence County Jail to await a Bond Hearing. Walnut Ridge Drug Interdiction Officer Bubba Blackwood and Walnut Ridge Captain Jordan Cooksey assisted Lawrence County with the capture and arrest of the suspects.
For more information on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com .
For more information on the Walnut Ridge police Department visit www.cityofwalnutridge.com .