Suspect in Fatal Crash Faces Homicide, DWI Charges, and Immigration Hold

JONESBORO, Ark. — A fatal car crash has led to a man facing charges of negligent homicide, driving without a license, possessing an open container of alcohol, and other charges. He is also facing a hold from immigration authorities.

Arturo Chacon-Montiel, 26, of Jonesboro, is accused of Negligent Homicide, a Class B felony; Reckless Driving, a Class B misdemeanor; Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Vehicle, a Class C misdemeanor; No Drivers License; No Insurance; No Seat Belt; and DWI – Driving While Intoxicated, all unclassified misdemeanors.

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According to the probable cause affidavit, on Feb. 27, officers with the Jonesboro Police Department responded to the 2100 block of E. Matthews Avenue for a motor vehicle accident. A 2012 Dodge Ram 250, driven by Chacon, was traveling westbound and crossed into the eastbound lanes. A 2023 Nissan Altima, driven by an individual identified as victim #3, swerved to avoid a head-on collision. The Ram struck the Altima at the passenger side rear tire area, causing the Altima to spin clockwise and come to a rest in the roadway.

The Ram continued to cross the eastbound lanes, entering into the outside lane, and struck a 2004 Toyota Camry, driven by victim #1, who was pronounced deceased on scene. Victim #2 was the passenger in the Camry and transported to the emergency room for injuries.

Officers contacted Chacon in his vehicle, the affidavit said. No other occupants were in the vehicle. Chacon was lying in the passenger side due to not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Officers stated they could smell alcohol and observed an open container in the vehicle. Chacon was unstable on his feet without any apparent injuries. He was arrested for DWI and transported to St. Bernards Medical Center where a search warrant for a blood draw was executed. Chacon did not have a driver’s license and only had a Mexico ID.

Officers reviewed video of the accident and noted Chacon can be seen driving recklessly and crossing the center line just before the accident occurred.

The defendant appeared before Judge Tommy Fowler on Monday for his bail hearing, communicating through an interpreter. Bail was set at $1.5 million cash-only. It is not bondable through a bail bond company. If he meets the incredibly high bond, he must wear a GPS ankle monitor, an alcohol monitor, and may not drive. The judge said there was an immigration hold on the defendant through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Even if the defendant can meet bail, he will not be released until the immigration hold is resolved.

Chacon did not qualify for a public defender, according to Judge Fowler. He must hire his own counsel.

The judge said there is only one count of negligent homicide, but he cautioned the defendant that two other injured parties could result in more charges. The prosecutor stated they had minor injuries.

Several were in court Monday on behalf of Chacon. He communicated to his wife in court through the interpreter. He said he wanted to tell her he was sorry, and wanted to call her later. His wife responded that he’s not alone and his parents are there to support him. The suspect began to cry as he heard this.

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