What began as a traffic violation has escalated to an armed standoff, officers from Lawrence County attempted to stop a black Dodge Charger around 8:15 pm for reckless driving on Hwy 67, the deputy pursued the vehicle until conditions became dangerous due to heavy rain and slick roads, the deputy abandoned the pursuit but continued in the direction of the fleeing suspect at safe speeds. The Lawrence County Dispatch notified Randolph County of the vehicle description and direction of travel.
Units from Randolph County intercepted the vehicle at the T-Ricks Station on Hwy 67 just inside the Pocahontas City Limits. The suspect then fled and drove back towards Lawrence County, Walnut Ridge Police was notified and had a unit attempt to intercept the vehicle on Hwy 67. Walnut Ridge Police advised the suspect traveled back through the city limits on Hwy 67 South at an estimated 120 mph, Walnut Ridge units also abandoned the high speed pursuit due to dangerous driving conditions in the interest of public safety. Hoxie was then notified of the vehicle and a Hoxie unit intercepted the vehicle as it turned on Hwy 63 South toward Sedgwick still traveling at a high rate of speed and driving reckless. Hoxie units followed the vehicle at a safe distance and advised the Lawrence County Dispatch to request assistance from Bono Police. The Hoxie unit followed the suspect and relayed information to dispatch.
Lawrence County Dispatch then notified Bono Police and Craighead County Sheriff’s Office as well as Jonesboro Police, 3 additional units intercepted the chase on the four lane near Bono. Spike strips were being set up on the bypass by Craighead County units and Arkansas State Police. Hoxie units still in pursuit advised that the vehicle had come to a stop near the Washington Avenue intersection with Hwy 63.
At 8:50 pm Arkansas State Police and Craighead County Officers advised the suspect was in some type of an armed standoff with officers. At 9:01 pm Craighead County advised the suspect had abandoned the standoff and his vehicle and was now involved in a foot pursuit fleeing from officers.
No injuries were reported in Lawrence County in the incident, the suspect faces Reckless Driving charges and Felony Fleeing in Lawrence County, possible additional fleeing charges may be filed in the Randolph County incident as well as multiple charges from Bono and Craighead County.
For more information on the Walnut Ridge Police Department visit www.cityofwalnutridge.com .
For more information on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office visit www.lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com .