JONESBORO, Ark. — A suspect was arrested Saturday after police say a firefighter directing traffic at a crash scene was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Highland Drive and Dane.
According to the Jonesboro Police Department, on March 14, officers were already on scene investigating a semi versus passenger vehicle crash. The eastbound lanes were blocked by a disabled semi-truck, and the outside westbound lane was also closed while officers managed traffic.
During the investigation, officers reported hearing a loud bang that sounded like something had struck a vehicle. When they looked toward the sound, officers saw a firefighter lying on the ground.
Police said a Toyota pickup truck traveling westbound in the outside lane struck the firefighter with its front bumper while the firefighter was directing traffic around the disabled vehicles.
The driver, identified as Lynal Hardin, 71, reportedly had a cellphone to his ear when officers approached the vehicle. According to the report, Hardin told officers he had been on the phone and realized he had struck someone.
Officers asked Hardin to step out of the vehicle and reported he appeared slow to exit, with unsteady balance and wobbly knees. Hardin told officers he had consumed a few drinks earlier in the day.
Police attempted standardized field sobriety tests, but the tests were not completed because Hardin did not follow instructions. He agreed to take a breath test at the Jonesboro Police Department after being read the Arkansas Statement of Rights.
According to the report, the breath test showed a result of 0.09.
Hardin was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center and booked on charges of aggravated assault, a Class D felony; driving while intoxicated; and reckless driving.
The firefighter sustained minor injuries.
District Judge Tommy Fowler set Hardin’s bail at $75,000 cash or surety, and his next court date is April 23.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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