VIDEO: Jonesboro Defendant Gets Jail, Probation for High-Speed Chase at Lowe’s

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro defendant is accused of leading a state trooper on a dangerous pursuit that ended with a 360-degree spinout and a foot chase through the Lowe’s parking lot, according to an Arkansas State Police affidavit.

Trooper Victor Garcia reported that on Nov. 30, he attempted to pull over a black passenger car on South Caraway Road for expired dealership tags. The driver — identified as Shamiyah John’na Johnson, 20, of Jonesboro — allegedly hit the gas and took off, triggering a pursuit.

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Johnson turned onto Race Street and then Fair Park Boulevard. Garcia attempted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention, but the first try failed. A second TVI sent the vehicle spinning a full 360 degrees, stopping it in the opposite lane of traffic.

But the stop didn’t end the chase.

Johnson reportedly jumped out and ran into the Lowe’s parking lot, ignoring repeated commands to stop.

Trooper Garcia chased her to the Garden Center, where she climbed onto stacks of mulch and refused to come down for several minutes.

When she finally got down and tried to run again, Garcia grabbed her arm. According to the affidavit, she continued resisting until he guided her to the ground and handcuffed her.

Johnson was booked into the Craighead County Detention Center.

She faced charges including felony fleeing, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, no insurance, no seat belt, failure to register, fleeing on foot, and resisting arrest. Judge David Boling set her bail at $100,000 cash, citing concerns for public safety.

On Dec. 16, Johnson entered negotiated guilty pleas to felony fleeing, first-degree reckless driving, and refusal to submit. Circuit Judge Scott Ellington sentenced her to 16 days in jail, with credit for 16 days served, a 90-day suspended sentence, and 18 months of probation. Johnson signed a search waiver to allow authorities to search her anytime during this period.