A Hot Springs man was arrested early Tuesday on felony fleeing and drug charges after he reportedly led Garland County sheriff's deputies on a vehicular pursuit and then attempted to flee on foot.
Joel L. Buck, 39, who lists a Dollie Circle address, was taken into custody in the 300 block of Yorkshire Drive around 3 a.m. Tuesday and charged with felony counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and fleeing in a vehicle, each punishable by up to six years in prison, and a misdemeanor count of fleeing on foot.
Buck remained in custody on $5,500 bond and is set to appear today in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Deputy Joseph Parker reportedly observed an unlicensed blue Honda Accord traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Highway 7 south. Parker attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Buck, reportedly refused to stop.
Buck reportedly continued heading north, reaching speeds in excess of 90 mph while passing other vehicles. He allegedly pulled into the parking lot of Hot Springs Mall, 4501 Central Ave., and circled back around, heading back north on Central.
Buck reportedly turned on Lakeland Drive and narrowly missed a collision with another car as he turned onto Yorkshire Drive. Near the end of the road, Buck allegedly exited the vehicle and began running toward a wooded area.
He was located a short time later hiding in a ditch two blocks from Parker's location. A set of keys and a glass pipe containing meth residue were reportedly located next to him in the ditch.
A Mountain Pine Police officer reportedly advised Parker he had stopped Buck earlier that day driving the same vehicle.
Local on 12/13/2017