Parole Absconder Accused of Fleeing Jonesboro Traffic Stop

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man was arrested Sunday morning after police said he fled from a traffic stop, abandoned a vehicle and later told officers he ran because he believed he had a warrant.

Jerry Cornelious Brown, 23, of Jonesboro, was arrested June 7 on charges including felony fleeing, a class D felony; misdemeanor fleeing; possession of a controlled substance; driving with a suspended license; reckless driving; failure to appear; and an out-of-town warrant, according to police and court records. Brown is also listed as a parole absconder.

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At 8:17 a.m. Sunday, Jonesboro police officers reported seeing a passenger car near the Johnson Avenue and South Culberhouse Street intersection. Officers checked the vehicle and learned the registered owner had an expired license, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle near Burke Avenue and South Culberhouse Street, but police said the driver accelerated and fled. Officers reported the vehicle ran stop signs and went around another vehicle at a high rate of speed with disregard for public safety in a residential area.

Police ended the pursuit and did not continue chasing the vehicle.

Officers later found the vehicle near the Monroe Avenue and Nisbett Street area in a parking lot, still running but unattended, according to the affidavit. Officers contacted the registered owner, who confirmed she was not driving during the incident.

Police said the registered owner told officers Brown had been driving the vehicle. She also gave officers Brown’s cellphone, which had been left inside the vehicle.

Shortly after, officers saw Brown running through the backyard of a residence on Nisbett Street. Officers found Brown and took him into custody.

According to the affidavit, Brown told officers he had marijuana in his pocket and said he believed he had a warrant, which was why he fled. Officers later confirmed Brown had a suspended license, additional warrants and absconding status.

Brown’s next court date is July 30. Bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety by District Judge Tommy Fowler.

Police also said a Jonesboro police K-9 bit his handler during an article search after Brown’s arrest.

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