Parolee Arrested After Chase Leads to Drug, Phone Evidence Seizure in Jonesboro

JONESBORO, Ark. — A parole compliance check led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man with a lengthy local criminal history, authorities said.

Chauncey Javon Thomas, 27, was arrested Oct. 17 after state parole agents said he tried to flee during a traffic stop near Melrose Street and Cedar Heights Drive in Jonesboro.

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According to a probable cause affidavit, parole agents observed Thomas, who was under active supervision, standing next to a black sedan in what appeared to be a possible hand-to-hand transaction. As officers approached, Thomas allegedly reached into his pocket and removed a small bag. When agents identified themselves, he began walking away and then ran, the report said.

Agents said Thomas fled behind a large bush, where they later found a zip-lock bag containing two tied bags of suspected marijuana. He was taken into custody shortly afterward, and officers said they found a set of digital scales on him.

Investigators said a small bag containing suspected marijuana residue was also recovered from the area. In total, 56 grams of suspected marijuana were weighed by police.

Officers noted that messages on Thomas’ phone appeared to reference drug dealing. The device was seized as evidence.

Thomas was booked into the Craighead County Detention Center on charges of possession of marijuana with purpose to deliver and tampering with physical evidence, both Class D felonies; use of a communication device, a Class C felony; and fleeing and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.

Special Judge Ralph Wilson set Thomas’ bail at $10,000 cash or surety. He won’t be released until he resolves his parole violation hold, as well.

In 2019, Thomas was sentenced to 12 years in prison for violating a suspended sentence tied to a 2017 downtown Jonesboro shooting at The Basement nightclub. He was originally arrested for murder in that case, before charges were reduced to hindering apprehension.

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