Hayti Man Accused of Crashing Into Ambulance, Fleeing Scene in Jonesboro

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Missouri man is facing several charges after police say he crashed into an ambulance and left the scene before being stopped and arrested in Jonesboro.

According to a report from the Jonesboro Police Department, officers responded July 18 to the area of Highland, Nestle and Cottage Home in reference to a hit-and-run involving an ambulance. The ambulance crew told officers they were headed north around a curve on Cottage Home when a vehicle traveling south struck them, forcing the ambulance off the road.

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Officers found damage beginning at the driver-side door and continuing toward the rear of the ambulance. Paint transfer indicated the striking vehicle was likely gray or white.

While another officer was exiting the interstate onto Nestle, he observed a white vehicle driving with hazard lights on and heavy front-end damage. The officer initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as 22-year-old Drew Qualls of Hayti, Missouri.

Police noted the vehicle’s airbag had deployed, and Qualls was barefoot. According to the report, Qualls denied hitting the ambulance but claimed something ran in front of him and caused the collision. Officers said he was slurring his speech, had bloodshot eyes, and was struggling to exit the vehicle.

Qualls was taken to St. Bernards Hospital for evaluation and was later discharged and transported to the Craighead County Detention Center.

He faces charges including leaving the scene of an accident with property damage over $10,000, driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit, and driving with an expired license and registration. On Monday, Judge Tommy Fowler set his bail at $25,000 cash or surety.

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