A Hot Springs man who fled from Garland County sheriff's deputies last year pleaded guilty to felony charges Monday in Garland County Circuit Court.
Joel L. Buck, 39, who was set to stand trial on Aug. 2, pleaded guilty to fleeing and possession of drug paraphernalia and was sentenced to five years' probation on each count, to run concurrently, fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $295 in court costs.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on Dec. 12, 2017, Deputy Joseph Parker observed an unlicensed blue Honda Accord traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Highway 7 south. He attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Buck, refused to stop.
Buck continued heading north, reaching speeds in excess of 90 mph while passing other vehicles. He pulled into the parking lot of Hot Springs Mall, 4501 Central Ave., and circled back around, heading back north on Central.
Buck then 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 exited the vehicle and ran into 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 located next to him in the ditch.
Buck was arrested and later released on $6,500 bond. He failed to appear at a scheduled hearing on March 5 so a warrant was issued for his arrest.
He was arrested March 27 after allegedly fleeing from Hot Springs police and was reportedly again found in possession of meth when was apprehended. He was charged with a felony count of possession of a controlled substance, meth, punishable by up to six years in prison, misdemeanor fleeing and the failure to appear warrant.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges March 28 in Garland County District Court and the charges were bound over to circuit court May 7 after a felony review hearing where they are still pending.
Local on 06/13/2018