By TAMARA JOHNSON
Managing Editor
A man fleeing from police was shot in the hand during a routine traffic stop Tuesday afternoon near Widener.
A second suspect in the incident was arrested this morning.
Arkansas State Police Troop D in Forrest City reported Trooper Mike Kennedy attempted to stop a 2000 Ford Windstar van for speeding about 3 p.m. near the 246 mile marker east of Forrest City. The van was driven by Pedro Garcia, 28, of Othello, Wash. State police reported Garcia is not a U.S. citizen, but told police he is a resident of Mexico.
According to the report, as Kennedy tried to stop the van, Garcia sped up and took the Widener exit onto Highway 70 where he continued east for about two miles before the van stopped and a passenger fled on foot. State police reported speeds during the chase exceeded 105 miles per hour.
The driver then continued east to the Highways 70 and 75 intersection where Garcia attempted to drive across a ditch and into a nearby wooded area, causing the van to come to a stop.
State Police reported Kennedy, armed with his service weapon, approached the van as Garcia attempted to flee on foot. Kennedy told investigating officers that Garcia grabbed the barrel of his weapon causing it to discharge, striking Garcia in the right hand. Kennedy was not injured.
Garcia was taken to the Med Center in Memphis where he underwent surgery this morning.
Arkansas State Police are conducting a use of force investigation into the shooting, according to ASP Troop D Captain Steve Gray, who added that the investigation is routine following any shooting. Kennedy is continuing with his duties while the investigation is being conducted, Gray said.
A search of the van, which had been rented by the men, revealed two large plastic bags containing about 150 pounds of marijuana.
Information from the use of force investigation along with investigative findings relating to the suspected marijuana will be turned over to the prosecuting attorney's office for review, according to an ASP press release.
The second suspect, Jose Emillio Garcia, 25, of Dallas, was arrested about 6 a.m. today while walking near Hicks Station. According to Gray, Garcia had walked up to a residence in the Hicks Station area this morning. "He went to a house and asked for assistance, and they refused him. He then left walking and they called police. The occupants of the residence were not injured, according to Gray, who said, "He was wanting some water."
Arkansas State Police were assisted in the search for the second suspect by the Arkansas Department of Corrections East Arkansas Unit at Brickeys and the St. Francis County Sheriff's Department.
Pedro Garcia is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, two counts of aggravated assault, fleeing and reckless driving.
Jose Garcia is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, fleeing and felony probation violation.
By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
Forrest Citians will be given the opportunity Saturday to participate in the city's first Clean-Up Day.
Forrest City Mayor Larry Bryant said Saturday's program, which will begin at 8 a.m. and end at noon, will be a combined community effort focusing on cleaning neighborhoods, the downtown area and areas around local businesses.
"We want the community to come together so that we can make this a success. We want families to pitch in, we want businesses to pitch in, everyone, basically so that this will be something that the entire community can do together," Bryant said.
According to Bryant, along with individual efforts, citizens are being recruited to put together teams that will work in their own neighborhoods as well as across Forrest City to help clean up.
"We're trying to put together block captains that are willing to get their neighbors together or just teams that will work in neighborhoods to help pick up. We will hand out garbage bags and gloves and the material folks will need, and we're also going to have a dumpster at Wal-Mart and a dumpster on Farr Street so people can take the trash they collect straight to a dumpster. We're still trying for a third dumpster that will be located on the south side of town," Bryant said.
Bryant also said that city street department officials will be at the dumpster sites, and that he plans to contact St. Francis County Judge Carl Cisco to get a recycling bin from NEARCO.
"This is something that we're doing, and that we want to make a yearly thing so that we can try to make Forrest City a prettier place," Bryant added.
Following the clean up at noon, Bryant said a community gathering will take place at Stuart Springs Park to celebrate the efforts of those involved. Along with refreshments, door prizes will be handed out. Bryant said he hopes the gathering would give citizens from across the city an opportunity to meet new people.
"The festivities at Stuart Springs Park will have really a two-fold meaning. It will be a celebration for those involved in our efforts Saturday, but it will also give folks a chance to come out and mingle with people they might not know, and just get together and have a good time with others. We're calling on area businesses to chip in and help us with the door prizes and the food, but the real goal is for everyone to have a good time," Bryant said.
In observance of the National Day of Prayer, to be held Thursday, May 2, there will be special opportunities for prayer. The Times-Herald has been contacted about the following:
Two services will held at Day's Temple Church of God in Christ, located at the corner of Day and Division in Forrest City. There will be a sunrise prayer service at 6 a.m., for people who work during regular hours. There will also be a service at 10 a.m., with various churches and pastors participating. Candidates have also been invited.
There will be a prayer service held outside the St. Francis County Courthouse at noon.
In addition, First Baptist Church on Rosser Street will be open from noon until 1 p.m., for anyone who would like to pray during the lunch hour.
President George W. Bush has proclaimed May 2 as a National Day of Prayer.
"Since our Nation's founding, Americans have turned to prayer for inspiration, strength and guidance," Bush stated in his proclamation. "In times of trial, we ask God for wisdom, courage, direction and comfort...Especially since Sept. 11, millions of Americans have been led to prayer."
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery of a local hotel last October.
Tyrone Hall, 23, 1916 Peevey St., Forrest City, was arrested Tuesday for aggravated robbery in connection with the Days Inn Hotel robbery on Oct. 3. Jermaine Johnson, 26, 1947 Williams St., Forrest City, is also charged with aggravated robbery in the case.
In addition, Johnson is also charged with aggravated robbery in connection with an April 16 armed robbery at Bonds Handy Foods on West Broadway. Johnson allegedly robbed the business at gunpoint.