NEW VIDEO: Felony Charges for Man After State Police Pursuit Ends with TVI

JONESBORO, Ark. — A man who allegedly fled from police while driving under the influence faces felony charges that include causing significant damage to a City Water and Light pole in Jonesboro.

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Around 10:09 p.m. on Nov. 19, Arkansas State Police observed a stolen vehicle traveling west on Johnson Avenue from Clinton School Road, according to the probable cause affidavit released Dec. 2. The trooper got behind the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. The vehicle began to flee.

The affidavit states the vehicle reached speeds of around 101 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. The trooper performed a TVI (tactical vehicle intervention/PIT maneuver) to end the pursuit “before it entered a busier part of the city,” the affidavit said.

After the TVI, the vehicle entered the ditch and struck a CWL utility pole. The damage was estimated to be $50,000.

The driver, Edwin C. Franklin, was taken into custody without incident after the crash. He was taken to the hospital for medical clearance. The affidavit said on the way, he made unsolicited comments about how he was intoxicated on drugs and alcohol.

A search warrant was signed to collect his blood at the hospital. He was admitted to the hospital and left in their care.

Edwin Calvin Franklin, 45, of Jonesboro, was arrested on charges including:

• Theft by receiving, greater than $5,000 but less than $25K, a Class C felony
• First-degree criminal mischief, more than $25,000, a Class B felony
• Fleeing in a vehicle, a Class D felony
• DWI drugs – first offense, a Class A misdemeanor
• Reckless driving, a Class B misdemeanor
• Speeding more than 16 mph over, a Class C misdemeanor

Initially, bail was set at $50,000 cash-only. However, on Monday, Dec. 2, Judge David Boling agreed to modify the bond with a specific condition. If Franklin is accepted into and completes a rehab program, Boling agreed to set bail at $5,000 cash or surety. If he leaves early, bail will go back to $50,000 cash-only.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.