High Speed Pursuit Leads to Arrest in Searcy County

A Van Buren County man was arrested in Searcy County after leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a high speed pursuit.

Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell tells KTLO that last Tuesday morning at approximately 9, deputies received a report of a high speed pursuit in Pee Dee near Shirley. The chase began after an alleged assault in Van Buren County when the suspect, 50-year-old Phillip Anthony Price, fled the scene.

Cassell states Price was intercepted by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office on Arkansas Highway 66 near Searcy County, but refused to stop. Price was recorded traveling at speeds between 45 and 110 miles per hour.

After entering Searcy County, Price encountered spike a spike strip in Leslie. Price continued on U.S. Highway 65 towards Marshall where he encountered a second spike strip at the base of Backbone Mountain by Marshall Police.

The pursuit continued through Marshall on U.S. Hwy. 65 towards Bear Creek where Price hit a Stone County deputy’s vehicle and left the roadway. Price then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by multiple deputies and officers at approximately 9:51.

Price was transported to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office where he was charged with failure to appear, fleeing and first degree battery. Cassell states his office is currently in the process of sending charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement and felony fleeing, to the prosecuting attorney’s office for review.

Cassell states, “Law enforcement officers have the responsibility of protecting and serving the community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Van Buren Sheriff’s Office, Stone County Sheriff’s Office, Searcy County Sheriff’s Office and Marshall Police Department for their assistance in apprehending Mr. Price and bringing this pursuit to an end without injury or harm to the public. I appreciate their assistance and support in protecting the citizens of Searcy County.”

(From KTLO)