At 12:06 pm on Friday the Lawrence County Dispatch received a call reporting a hit and run accident at the red light on Hwy 67 B in Hoxie, the vehicle alledgedly left the scene of a non-injury accident headed towards Walnut Ridge. Just as the call went out Hoxie Chief Glen Smith intercepted the vehicle near Farm Service stating the gray pickup truck nearly struck his patrol vehicle as he passed the suspect.
Hoxie Chief Glen Smith turned around and pursued the vehicle notifying Walnut Ridge Police that the vehicle was entering Walnut Ridge and not stopping. Hoxie units followed the vehicle down Free Street when it finally stopped near the church. Hoxie units and Walnut Ridge Police units removed the suspect identified as Richard Whitmire, 41 years old of Hoxie.
Whitmire was charged with leaving the scene of a non-injury accident and DWI Drugs. According to Whitmire’s Facebook Page he is employed as an EMT with Medic One.
Whitmire was arrested and taken to the Lawrence County Jail to await a bond hearing and court date. No injuries were reported in the incident.
For more information on the Walnut Ridge Police Department visit www.cityofwalnutridge.com .