JUSTIN SPIRES

     A Baxter County man, 29 year old JUSTIN SPIRES, was arrested Friday night, February 3rd, after fleeing from deputies in a motor vehicle.  At approximately 8:44 PM that evening, Sheriff's Deputy Bryce Hinson attempted to stop a silver Hyundai on State Highway 5 South in the area of Tracy Ferry Road for traffic violations.  The driver refused to stop, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.

     The driver fled North bound on State Highway 5 S at speeds of approximately 80 miles per hour, then pulled into a mobile home park, cutting around and then going back the opposite direction, going South on State Highway 5 S at moderate to high speed.  The pursuit continued on Highway 5 South through Salesville and Norfork, then on toward Izard County.  The vehicle was being driven in a reckless manner and not remaining in its traffic lane.   At approximately 9:00 PM, the driver entered Izard County, with the deputy still pursuing.  A short time later, the driver again managed to turn back around and head back into Baxter County, now going North bound on State Highway 5 S.  Spike strips were deployed ahead of the vehicle, but were not successful, although the driver did slow down.  The driver continued North bound back through Norfork and Salesville.  At approximately 9:16 PM, the driver ran off the roadway into a tree line near Deer Park St.  The driver and a passenger exited the vehicle and were quickly taken into custody.

     The driver was identified as JUSTIN SPIRES, and he was subsequently transported to the Baxter County Detention Center where he was booked on charges of:

Fleeing by Vehicle - Felony
Reckless Driving - Misdemeanor
Failure to Appear - Outstanding Misdemeanor Warrant
Failure to Pay Fines - Outstanding Misdemeanor Warrant
Probation Violation
as well as a number of other traffic offenses.

     JUSTIN SPIRES remains in custody in lieu of $10,000 bond on the new charges.  He will appear before the Baxter County Circuit Court to answer on February 6th.  He is also being held without bond for the Probation Violation.  SPIRES has several prior arrests that involved Fleeing from Police.

     The passenger in the vehicle was not charged.

     Four deputies were involved at various times and locations in the pursuit and the arrest.  There were no injuries and no property damage from the incident. 

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff