Local News

[astark]

Officers chase couple into pond

Published on 6/1/2004

A high speed chase ended in a pond and two people were taken into custody Saturday afternoon.

Independence County Sheriff's Sgt. Jeff Sims said the chase began around 4:18 p.m. near the intersection of Byers and 23rd streets when a Chevrolet Cavalier did not stop at a stop sign.

Sims said he followed the vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver - later identified as Dennis J. Rhoades, 31, of Batesville - refused to stop. After running the license plate number, dispatch said the car was registered to Carl Smith of 200 Double Road for a yellow 1976 Dodge pickup.

The car continued traveling west on Neely Street, nearing 20th Street. Sims said the car appeared to slow down as if it was attempting to stop, but continued on. Sims said the car then sped up toward St. Louis Street, so he pursued it.

At the intersection of Sidney and Harrison streets, Deputy Michael Anderson turned on his blue lights and stopped his car in the westbound lane. Sims said Rhoades slammed on his brakes, sped up again, then went around Anderson's patrol car, nearly hitting it, according to Sims.

The Cavalier continued west on Harrison and ran a red light at the intersection of St. Louis. According to Sims, Rhoades continued "whipping in and out" of lanes. Near Boswell and 3rd streets, Rhoades again slammed on his brakes, causing Sims to almost hit the Cavalier. The high speed chase continued through Broad Street with the driver running red lights at the intersections of College and Main streets.

According to Sims, Rhoades did not brake for red lights or stop signs.

Deputy Tim Conyers was approaching the intersection of White Drive and North Central Avenue when the Cavalier left the road and drove between Arnold's Yamaha and Bigger Burger parking lot. Near the White Drive Baptist Church, Rhoades again slammed on his brakes.

"It was at this time the driver lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway into a field between ProDentec and Batesville Bearing," Sims said.

Rhoades then hit two sets of guide wires belonging to Entergy. The car also hit a ditch, causing extensive damage to the front end.

With the front bumper dragging, the car continued into a field for about 300 to 400 yards and stopped at the bank of a large pond.

Sims said while he was attempting to stop his patrol car, Rhoades' car slid about 100 feet before landing in about two feet of water.

Rhoades and a woman, Julie Soelle, 31, also of Batesville, jumped from the car with Soelle going into the pond; the man was running along the pond bank with at least two patrol cars chasing him.

"At this time I began to pursue the female passenger into the water, repeatedly telling her to stop. I pursued the female several yards into the pond until I came across a large snake - at which time I stopped," Sims said.

Rhoades also entered into the water and was taken into custody by the deputies. Sims said Soelle "finally gave up" and was taken into custody.

An inventory of the car produced $18 in cash along with one used and one unused syringe. Anther used syringe was located on the pond bank where Soelle entered the water. Also found were five pills determined to be Diazepham.

Soelle was cited for fleeing an officer on foot, resisting arrest, possession of an instrument of crime and possession of a controlled substance. She was given a July 7 court date.

Rhoades was transported to the county jail and placed on hold for the criminal investigation division pending and investigation. It was revealed Rhoades had a suspended driver's license and was on felony probation in Independence County.

Sims reported several dollars in damages due to the chase: a hand-held radio valued around $500, a Stinger flashlight valued at $100 along with Rocky boots valued at $140 as well as a mobile phone valued around $100.

[astark]

You big city guys are probably used to such news, but this was a pretty big deal for Batesville Arkansas.

[feitctaj]

It happens once and the rest of the idiots feel like " I can do that"

[76Broncofromhell]

Try living in Los Angeles County, we see that shit on the news at least twice a day.

[hooter992]

news only reports the "dirty laundry" of people anyway nowadays........shame isnt it

[OldieTwoShoes]

yeah here we dont get many big things that happen over here either, but i guess thats good, less entertaining, but good

[74bronc]

sounds like somebody wanted to star in the next episode of COPS

[2badrotties]

I think we should start a " messed up news " thread. We have the JOKES thread , a news thread would be interesting.

[OldieTwoShoes]

Originally posted by 2badrotties
I think we should start a " messed up news " thread. We have the JOKES thread , a news thread would be interesting.

thats a good idea if i find anything from my paper (IF i read it :P) ill post it

[76 explorer]

a few months back we had a police chase where the police spun the fleeing car around 3 times on the interstate and the kid still kept control of it.... a lot of people across the country heard of that chase. but not many chases like that start here in del city.