Clay County Deputies Arrest Man After Pursuit, ICE Hold Placed

CORNING, Ark. – A 21-year-old man from Mexico was arrested Sunday afternoon following a high-speed pursuit that ended in a flooded field near McDougal, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Department.

The incident began around 2:05 p.m. on April 6, when the Corning Police Department received a report of a bluish-gray Chevrolet Tahoe swerving along Highway 135. The vehicle, which had Texas license plates, was headed north.

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Clay County deputies stationed at the Corning Y observed the vehicle and followed it as it turned east onto U.S. Highway 62 toward McDougal. Deputies reported the vehicle was drifting out of its lane before initiating a traffic stop about half a mile south of Red Hayes Curve.

Authorities said the driver, who did not speak English and had no identification, initially refused to remove his right hand from his pocket. When the deputy attempted to handcuff him, the man reportedly yelled “no,” jumped back into the SUV and began to flee.

A struggle over the keys and steering wheel occurred before the suspect drove away, prompting a pursuit that reached speeds of up to 100 mph, the sheriff’s department said.

The chase continued through McDougal and onto County Road 321, also known as Tram Road, where the suspect vehicle hit a flooded section of road and became temporarily out of sight. Deputies found the SUV idling on the roadside near a ditch, and the driver running through standing water.

The suspect, identified as Edgar Gonzalez, attempted to cross a flooded field but fell multiple times. As officers from multiple agencies surrounded the area, Gonzalez emerged from the water and lay in the mud before continuing on foot.

At approximately 3:18 p.m., officers crossed the field and tackled Gonzalez about a quarter mile from where he was last seen. He was taken into custody and booked into the Clay County Detention Center.

Gonzalez faces multiple charges, including felony fleeing, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of less than 2 grams of methamphetamine, resisting arrest, reckless driving, no driver’s license, no insurance and littering.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a hold on Gonzalez for deportation proceedings.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Officer 302 of the Corning Police Department.