A Calico Rock man was arrested Tuesday morning after leading authorities on a pursuit from Izard County into Baxter County in a stolen truck, according to the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, identified as Lewie Branscum (pictured), was taken into custody without further incident after law enforcement deployed spike strips to disable the vehicle, Sheriff John Montgomery said in a statement.
The incident began on Monday afternoon when the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen 1997 Dodge truck and 22-foot gooseneck trailer from a residence on Push Mountain Road. Later that day, the vehicle’s owner spotted the truck in Izard County and identified Branscum as the driver. Authorities said the stolen trailer was later found abandoned by the U.S. Forestry Service on Twin Creek Road in Baxter County.
Earlier Monday, Mountain Home police responded to a suspicious person complaint about a man seeking fuel. Officers located the vehicle involved but were unaware at the time that it had been stolen from Izard County. The driver fled from an attempted traffic stop and evaded law enforcement.
On Tuesday morning, Izard County deputies located the stolen truck, driven by Branscum, and attempted to stop him. A pursuit ensued onto Baxter County Road 73 and continued onto County Road 74, where Baxter County deputies joined the chase. Sheriff’s Corporal Craig Kocka deployed spike strips across the road, which Branscum struck at high speed, flattening both front tires. Despite the damage, Branscum continued driving until he was unable to make a turn onto Push Mountain Road.
Authorities took Branscum into custody and transported him to the Baxter County Detention Center, where he was booked on multiple charges, including felony theft of a motor vehicle, felony theft of property, reckless driving, and other misdemeanor offenses. He was also identified as a habitual offender, which could lead to enhanced penalties.
Branscum remains held on a $25,000 bond and faces additional charges in Izard County and the City of Mountain Home. He is expected to appear before the Baxter County Circuit Court at a later date.
Image: Baxter County Sheriff’s Department
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