Hit-and-Run Near Paragould Walmart Leads to Felony Arrest

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould suspect was arrested after police say he left the scene of a crash that caused more than $10,000 in damage near a Walmart Neighborhood Market.

According to an incident report from the Paragould Police Department, officers responded at approximately 7:32 a.m. March 11, 2026, to a reported hit-and-run accident near the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

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Responding officers were told that one of the vehicles involved, described as a maroon Mercury, had left the scene of the crash.

A short time later, officers located the maroon Mercury at a residence. Police noted the vehicle had damage consistent with the collision reported earlier, and investigators also found paint transfer matching the victim’s vehicle.

According to the report, Gary Hopkins, 54, told officers he had been involved in an accident earlier that morning.

Authorities said the victim’s vehicle sustained more than $10,000 in damage.

Hopkins was arrested by the Paragould Police Department on a charge of failure to stop after an accident involving property damage only, a Class D felony.

Jail records show Hopkins’ bail was set at $10,000 cash or surety.

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