In an unusual turn of events following a traffic stop in Izard County earlier this month, after the suspect had exited his vehicle and as his criminal record was being confirmed, he fled on foot and returned to his car, resulting in a high-speed pursuit. His alleged actions, illegal drugs found in his possession and his criminal record would lead to his arrest and a $100,000 bond.
According to the probable cause affidavit, a traffic stop was initiated on 42-year-old Christopher Ray Day of Marcella, an unincorporated community in Stone County. The stop followed officers from the Izard County Sheriff’s Office receiving information of a possible illegal drug transaction at a grocery store in Calico Rock.
When the traffic stop was attempted, Day allegedly continued on until his vehicle crossed the county line, before pulling over.
Day was described as very nervous, sweating profusely, avoiding eye contact and with his pants unzipped.
An Izard County deputy returned to his vehicle to confirm Day had a search waiver on file. Day would dispute the search waiver, leading an Arkansas State Police trooper assisting with the stop to return to his vehicle for confirmation.
As the trooper got into his vehicle, Day is alleged to have fled from the deputy on foot, returned to his car and left the scene.
The trooper pursued Day’s vehicle southbound on State Highway 5, reaching speeds of up to 87 miles per hour, while crossing the white and center lines multiple times.
A first attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle with a precision immobilization technique or PIT was unsuccessful, when Day applied his brakes, greatly reducing his speed. After accelerating again, a second PIT was successful, with Day’s vehicle coming to rest in a ditch.
Several syringe caps were allegedly located in Day’s pocket, as well as a ball of black tape with clear plastic stuck to it in the passenger seat of his vehicle.
It is believed after the trooper reported having seen an item tossed from the fleeing vehicle, Day threw something out the car window. A baggie containing a crystalline substance weighing approximately 26 grams and field testing positive for methamphetamine was found on the side of the road.
Day has been charged with a felony count of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine/cocaine, and a misdemeanor count of fleeing. He is also charged as a habitual offender, having been convicted of four or more felonies.
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