Traffic stop becomes chase

By Staff, 06/27/18 4:35 PM

HOPE/PRESCOTT – What began as a traffic stop in Hempstead County turned into a traffic chase on Interstate 30.

According to a release from the Arkansas State Police, the stop was made around 3:45 p.m. Monday along the eastbound lanes of I-30.

Larry Jones, 22, possibly from Tennessee, was driving the vehicle at the time. According to Prescott Police Chief Joey Beavers, after the stop was made, the trooper found drugs in the trunk of the car, which led to Jones’ fleeing.

Spike strips were placed on the interstate near the 46-mile marker to try and stop the car, which wound up wrecking near the 47mm, reportedly ejecting Jones, who got up and fled into the woods north of the highway.

A search was conducted for him until after 9 p.m. to no avail.

The ASP’s highway patrol division and criminal investigation division are working to prepare affidavits seeking formal charges with this investigation.