Suspect leads police on chase

From Staff Reports

Pea Ridge Police and a Benton County Sheriff's deputy were led on a foot and vehicle pursuit Wednesday afternoon after they went to a residence on North Arkansas Highway 94 to question a man as a suspect in a burglary.

At 2:35 p.m. Wednesday, Pea Ridge Police went to 1667 North Arkansas Highway 94, with a Benton County Sheriff's deputy, to attempt to arrest a suspect for a burglary and theft of firearms. While knocking on the door, police saw a male inside the residence, according to the report.

The man did not open the door, but ran out of the back door and into a black truck parked behind the residence. He drove straight at the police officers, who had drawn their weapons and demanded he stop, according to the report. Police said the vehicle got within five yards of them and they feared for their lives. The suspect then reversed the vehicle and drove down a steep ravine into a heavily wooded area, according to the report.

Police initially followed on foot, believing the vehicle could not go far in the heavily wooded area, but then returned to their vehicles to pursue by vehicle.

A search ensued involving Bella Vista police, as well. The suspect was identified as Jerry Randolph and is wanted on a felony warrant. According to the report, he is well known for fleeing from law enforcement officers. The investigation was turned over to Benton County Sheriff's Office.

General News on 07/20/2016