A two vehicle accident at 1:15 pm on Monday left investigators searching for a suspect in a damaged vehicle that left the scene. There were no injuries in the accident, Walnut Ridge Police assisted by Lawrence County deputies began searching for the damaged vehicle witnessed leaving the accident scene.
Within minutes a vehicle matching the description was found abandoned in a Walnut Ridge parking lot. Authorities developed leads on the suspect driver which resulted in the arrest of 54 year old, Steve Douglas of Walnut Ridge. The investigation also uncovered stolen property at the residence of Steve and Julie Douglas.
Steve Douglas was charged with leaving the scene of the accident, felony aggravated assault, theft of property, and criminal mischief. Steve Douglas formerly of Paragould has numerous convictions including arson, breaking an entering, commercial burglary, DWI drugs, and multiple parole violations.
Julie Douglas, age 45 of Walnut Ridge was also arrested in the investigation and charged with theft by receiving. Julie Douglas also has a past criminal history out of Greene County with charges ranging from DWI to possession of meth with purpose to deliver.
Stolen property was recovered by law enforcement. Both Douglas’ were booked into the Lawrence County detention center were they will be given a bond hearing and a court date.