Paragould man charged after leaving scene of morning crash

wireready_03-13-2026-14-20-05_05336_garyhopkins031326
A Paragould man faces a felony charge after authorities say he crashed into another vehicle Wednesday morning and left the scene.Greene County District Judge Curtis Hitt found probable cause to charge 54-year-old Gary Hopkins with accidents involving damage only to a vehicle or personal property of another person – removal of vehicle, a Class D felony.

According to the affidavit, witnesses reported a maroon Mercury struck another vehicle around 7:30 a.m. March 11 near the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Linwood Drive before leaving the area.

Officers later located the suspect vehicle at a residence a short time later. Authorities say the car had damage consistent with what was reported in the crash, and paint transfer on the Mercury matched paint found on the victim’s vehicle.

Police also reported Hopkins told officers he had been involved in an accident earlier that morning.

Investigators say the victim’s vehicle sustained more than $10,000 in damage.

Hopkins is being held on a $10,000 cash/surety bond and is awaiting arraignment.

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI