Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested for DWI; Victim Airlifted

JONESBORO, Ark. — A man is accused of driving under the influence of drugs, causing an accident with injury, and then leaving the scene in Jonesboro.

Zachary Deshawn Thompson, 35, of Trumann, was arrested on March 18 for Second-Degree Battery/Recklessly Causing Injury While Intoxicated, a Class C felony; Leaving the Scene of an Accident w/ Personal injury, a Class D felony; and DWI – drugs, an unclassified charge. Thompson was already on a suspended sentence in Poinsett County and had just recently been arrested for possession of an instrument of crime, according to the judge’s notes on the probable cause affidavit.

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On March 19, Judge David Boling set his bail at $175,000 cash or surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 22.

The PC affidavit says on March 18, Thompson was involved in a hit-and-run accident striking a bicyclist near Highland and Caraway. Thompson left the scene but was located by police about nine minutes later near Forrest Home and Bittle.

When officers made contact with Thompson, they noticed the smell of both burned and fresh marijuana. They also noticed a broken windshield and blood, connecting his vehicle to the accident.

Thompson was arrested and taken to the detention center for field sobriety and BAC testing. where police reported he showed signs of impairment. He was transported to the hospital for a blood draw and returned to the jail afterward.

The victim was airlifted from the scene. There was no update on their condition available.

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