Two people in Little Rock were arrested following a police chase with an allegedly stolen vehicle. Arkansas State Police worked with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office to apprehend a 27-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman. Both are facing multiple charges for their roles in the alleged theft, as well as for supposed drug crimes.
According to the police report, the chase began after a pickup truck was reported stolen. Officers attempted to stop the driver and passenger on U.S. 67, but the vehicle would not pull over. The chase continued onto Arkansas 229 before the vehicle stopped and the occupants attempted to flee on foot. Both individuals were apprehended shortly thereafter.
Police say they found 1.4 pounds of what they believe to be methamphetamine as well as prescription pills. A pistol that had been reported stolen was allegedly recovered as well.
The duo is believed to have thrown the gun from the car during the chase. Both the driver and passenger are now charged with drug trafficking, possession of drugs and firearms, theft and fleeing.
If either of these individuals is convicted of any of these crimes, even for the drug crimes alone they could face years in an Arkansas prison.
However, there are many checks and balances prosecutors will be required to account for, including police conduct during the chase and arrest. The burden of proof, as always, lies with the state, and each accused person will be represented by a criminal defense attorney who will help to build the best possible criminal defense case.