An Izard County deputy was injured Monday after a call about criminal mischief and assault escalated into a high-speed vehicle pursuit, authorities said.
The incident began around 12:40 p.m. on September 30, 2024, when Izard County Dispatch received a report from a local business owner about a vehicle that had entered their parking lot and scattered gravel over parked cars. Shortly after, a victim reported being struck by the exact vehicle, which was said to have purposely veered toward him, hitting him with its fender.
A deputy located the suspect vehicle, described as a black Chevy truck without a license plate, on Highway 69, just south of Melbourne. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to comply, speeding off and leading authorities on an hour-long chase through multiple towns, including Mount Pleasant, Zion, Sage, and Sidney, before returning to Mount Pleasant.
The pursuit neared its conclusion on Barren Fork Road, where Chief Deputy Steve Davidson blocked the road near the Barren Fork Bridge with his patrol vehicle. After exiting his vehicle, Davidson fired his shotgun as the suspect’s truck barreled toward him. The truck ultimately collided with Davidson’s patrol vehicle, causing the vehicle to strike Davidson, resulting in serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the crash, the suspect fled on foot but was apprehended shortly afterward. Authorities identified the suspect as Zachoria Henry, 27, of Melbourne.
The Arkansas State Police have taken over the investigation.
On Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said Davidson underwent surgery to his left leg and foot due to severe and serious breaks caused in the incident. The office said Davidson will have further surgeries in the coming days for his leg and foot to continue to heal.
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