Traffic stop escalates into high-speed chase, probation

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A simple traffic infraction, ending with a Mountain Home man trying to outrun the law and throwing evidence off the Henderson bridge during the chase, has led to 10 years probation for 35-year-old James Weeks. Weeks pled guilty to charges against him in Baxter County Circuit Court Thursday.

He was originally charged with felony counts of possession with purpose to deliver methamphetamine and a Schedule VI controlled substance, fleeing, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of drug paraphernalia used to conceal methamphetamine. He was also charged with misdemeanor counts of tampering with physical evidence, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, as well as a failure to stop or yield violation.

The incident began when a Baxter County deputy stopped Weeks for running a stop sign. A check showed the Mountain Home man was on probation. When asked to step out of his vehicle, Weeks took off.

During the chase, which reached speeds in excess of 90 miles-per-hour, Weeks threw a multi-colored package from the vehicle. The package bounced off the concrete barrier of the bridge and landed on the shoulder of the highway.

The bag was retrieved, and a number of drugs were found including methamphetamine, fentanyl and marijuana. In addition, a glass pipe used for ingesting methamphetamine was located.

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