Felony charges have been filed against a Batesville man who led law enforcement on a high-speed chase on New Year’s Day.
An Arkansas State Police (ASP) trooper initiated the pursuit after clocking a vehicle at over 90 mph on Highway 69 near the Independence and Jackson County line.
State police say the driver, identified as Cortlen Ray Rounds, 32, refused to pull over and fled north into Independence County, reaching speeds of approximately 140 mph.
Joined in the pursuit by Independence County Sheriff’s deputies, Rounds drove his Chevrolet Camaro in the oncoming lane of traffic numerous times, once almost striking the front of a semi-tractor trailer, according to his arrest affidavit.
Forced off the road near Moorefield by an Independence County Sheriff’s Department truck, Rounds exited this vehicle and fled into a wooded area on foot. According to state police, Arkansas Department of Corrections North Central Unit tracking dogs assisted in locating and apprehending Rounds.
Multiple ASP units were damaged in the pursuit attempting tactical vehicle intervention maneuvers to stop Rounds, with one trooper sustaining minor injuries, state police said. According to court documents, Batesville Police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and a fellow trooper assisted in removing the trooper from his disabled vehicle.
Rounds is charged with felony fleeing, felony aggravated assault, felony criminal mischief, and two misdemeanors. He’s also being charged as a habitual offender, having been convicted of four or more felonies.
Rounds is in custody at the Independence County Detention Center. His bond is set at $75,000.
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