Suspect Accused of Trying to Run Over Two People Before Crash

JONESBORO, Ark. — A woman returning a vehicle to her former fiancé’s home told police he got behind the wheel and tried to run her and a friend over on a sidewalk, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Anthony D. Jackson is accused of turning around after missing the two people and accelerating toward them again before crashing into a concrete embankment, the affidavit states.

Officers responded Oct. 26 to the area of Dudley Street and East Nettleton Avenue after a report that someone was trying to run over another person and a car was catching fire.

The woman told officers she was dropping off a vehicle at Jackson’s home and walking away with her friend when he entered the vehicle and drove toward them on the sidewalk, according to the affidavit.

After the first attempt, the two people headed toward the friend’s vehicle. Police allege Jackson turned around and accelerated in their direction, then tried to strike the second vehicle as it was leaving. He missed and collided with the concrete embankment, according to the affidavit.

A passing driver stopped to speak with officers and gave an account consistent with the woman’s description of Jackson turning around and trying to strike the second vehicle, the affidavit states.

Jackson remained at the scene. Police reported that he changed his account several times and that his statements did not match the other accounts, according to the affidavit.

Officers took Jackson into custody on the assault allegations. Because he was on felony probation, officers also conducted a probation search of his residence, the affidavit states.

Police reported finding drug paraphernalia in bedside drawers in a bedroom Jackson shared with one of the people involved. The items included bongs and three grinders with marijuana residue, as well as two pipes and a white straw with white powdery substances, according to the affidavit.

Jackson was taken to St. Bernards for medical clearance before being transported to the Craighead County Detention Center.

First appearance paperwork lists aggravated assault on a family or household member and aggravated assault, both Class D felonies, along with possession of drug paraphernalia and possessing instruments of crime, both Class A misdemeanors.

District Judge David Boling found probable cause Oct. 28. Bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety with GPS ankle monitoring. Jackson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 16, according to the court paperwork.

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