A local man was arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges Saturday night after allegedly wrecking a pickup truck into two cars, injuring two people, fleeing the scene and later fighting with Hot Springs police.
Robert Angelo Covey, 38, who lists a Summer Street address, was taken into custody shortly before 7:30 p.m. and charged with a felony count of leaving the scene of an injury accident, punishable by up to six years in prison, and a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, punishable by up to one year in jail.
Covey was later released on a $3,500 bond and is set to appear Oct. 29 in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday, Officer 1st Class Mark Wilson responded to the 800 block of Albert Pike involving a three-vehicle injury wreck.
After arrival, he determined a black 1995 Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling in the inside eastbound lane of Albert Pike attempting to negotiate a curve when it veered across the westbound lane and struck a 2009 Kia Borrengo parked in front of 808 Albert Pike and a light pole.
A man sitting in the driver's seat of the Kia at the time of the wreck complained of neck pain, but refused medical attention. The truck continued north into the vacant lot next to 808 Albert Pike where it struck a 2009 Mazda CX-Z. A woman sitting in the front passenger seat suffered injuries to her neck, back and legs and was transported by LifeNet to CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs.
After hitting the Mazda, the truck reportedly rolled over onto its roof and two white male occupants got out and left the scene. A witness followed the two men north to 720 Albert Pike where he reportedly got into a confrontation with them.
Officers responded to the parking lot at 720 Albert Pike regarding a disturbance and made contact with Covey, the witness and the second male from the truck. Covey and the other man reportedly admitted they had just been in a wreck.
The witness stated he saw the truck wreck and saw the two leave the scene so he followed them. He said he was punched once by Covey, but stated he did not wish to pursue charges.
While talking with Covey, officers noted he ignored several requests from officers to put his cigarette out and remove his hands from his pockets. LifeNet arrived and cleared Covey, but transported the other male in the wreck. After LifeNet left, Covey allegedly continued to place his hands in his pockets and stood up despite officers' requests to sit down.
Due to Covey ignoring commands, he was taken into custody and allegedly resisted so officers had to "go hands on" in order to get him into handcuffs.
Local on 10/22/2019