A man driving an ATV on Independence County street was eventually taken into custody Saturday morning after fleeing from police.
Independence County Sheriff’s Deputy Hutton Grace said Burley Wayne Purcell, 51, of Little Rock, was driving an ATV at a speed of at least 40 mph on Davis Lane in Batesville on Aug. 7 around 9:45 a.m., according to the incident report.
The report said after Grace activated his blue lights and siren for a traffic stop, Purcell ran a stop sign and started west on Highway 106. Purcell was eventually met at the 106 and Davis Lane intersection by a Batesville Police truck. When he attempted to make a left-hand turn, he crashed the ATV and attempted to scale a fence after getting on his feet, according to the report. A few minutes later after dropping to his stomach, the report said Purcell was taken into custody by Grace, Deputy Chris Stump, and Batesville Patrolman Miguel Romero.
Authorities allege a search revealed Purcell was carrying marijuana and methamphetamine on his person. Also in the report, Purcell complained of physical injury to his shoulder and knee and also said he was suicidal.
The report said he was taken to the medical center where he was released from police custody for treatment. After Deputy Grace left the hospital, personnel at the med center reported Purcell had refused any treatment and left the hospital’s care.
Purcell is facing charges including disregarding a stop sign, operating an ATV on a public street or highway, possession of controlled substances, driving left of center, driving on a suspended drivers license, and fleeing from authorities — all misdemeanors.
If you have yet to be immunized against COVID-19, White River Now urges you to talk to your trusted local physician or pharmacist about the COVID-19 vaccine.
For COVID-19 information from the Arkansas Department of Health, click here.
For information from local physicians about COVID-19 vaccines, click here.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
