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UPDATE: Two Pedestrian-Hit Incidents Under Investigation in Jonesboro

UPDATE: Two Pedestrian-Hit Incidents Under Investigation in Jonesboro

Photo: Contributed/Jonesboro Police Department


UPDATE 1:16 p.m. (by Rachel Rudd): The Jonesboro Police Department has released the police reports regarding last night’s incidents.

There are two reports listed. The first one, which concerns the incident at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Harrisburg Road, lists three felony charges: criminal attempt, homicide – murder – 1st degree, and first-degree criminal mischief.

The second report concerns the incident at Craighead Forest Park. Listed charges on this report are criminal attempt, homicide – murder – 1st degree, killing or injuring an animal used by law enforcement agency, fleeing, and resisting arrest.

UPDATE 12:18 p.m. (by Tarah Richardson): JRN spoke with Sally Smith, public information official with Jonesboro Police Department who provided additional details on the suspect arrested.

Michael Vincent Coleman is currently being held at the Craighead County Detention Center. He was given a temporary bond of $5 million and is expected to appear in court Monday for a bond hearing.

Smith indicated the list of charges, as well as the official police report will be released this afternoon. She said one charge will be assault on a police officer. According to Smith, Coleman attempted to choke out K9 Ralfik during his apprehension. He was, “combative with first responders,” Smith added. The K9 officer is fine and was given rest and fluids.

Coleman has had multiple run-ins with the law, that Smith said dated back as early as 2004. He was arrested in July of this year and charged with nonfinancial identify fraud, a Class C felony. Coleman was set to appear in circuit court for that charge on Aug. 21.

This is a developing story. JRN will provide updates as they are available.

UPDATE 5 a.m.: Jonesboro police said in a social media update that all four victims were transported to area hospitals, with two listed in critical condition and two suffering minor injuries.

JPD says the vehicle struck two pedestrians at the Walmart Market on Harrisburg Road around 6:30 p.m., then entered Craighead Forest Park six minutes later and struck two more people on a pedestrian path before the driver fled on foot.

The suspect was quickly identified and apprehended after officers, assisted by a K9 and located him. Police say a physical encounter occurred during the arrest.

Previously

Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Four people were injured in two separate pedestrian-vehicle incidents Thursday night in Jonesboro, with police later taking a suspect into custody after a vehicle believed to have been involved was found inside Craighead Forest Park.

The first incident was reported around 6 p.m. at the Walmart Neighborhood Market parking lot on Harrisburg Road, where Jonesboro police said two people were reportedly struck by a vehicle.

According to a Jonesboro Police Department desk sergeant, the driver left the scene following the incident. The two injured people were transported to local hospitals. Their conditions were not immediately available.

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A short time later, two additional people were struck by a vehicle inside Craighead Forest Park, according to police.

A dark blue Toyota Yaris believed to have been used in the incidents was located between Access Roads 4 and 5 inside the park.

The two people injured in the park incident were also transported to local hospitals. Their conditions were not immediately available.

The JPD desk sergeant said Jonesboro police and K-9 officers immediately began searching the woods near where the vehicle was found.

A suspect was subsequently taken into custody, according to the desk sergeant.

No additional information was immediately available Thursday night, including the identities of those injured, the circumstances surrounding the incidents or possible charges against the suspect.

Jonesboro police remain involved in the investigation.

This is a developing story. JRN will provide updates as they are available.

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