Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – A Jonesboro man was arrested over the weekend after police said he led law enforcement on a high-speed chase after stealing a vehicle.
Judge Ralph Wilson found probable cause on Oct. 20 to charge 21-year-old Jalen McCullough with the following:
- Class B Felony: Theft of a vehicle valued at $25,000 or more
- Class D Felony: Breaking or entering/articles from vehicle
- Class D Felony: Theft of a firearm valued at less than $2,500
- Class A Misdemeanor: First-degree criminal mischief (property of another with a value of $1,000 or less)
- Class A Misdemeanor: Fleeing
- Class B Misdemeanor: Reckless driving
- Class D Misdemeanor: Speeding more than 15 miles per hour over the limit
- Two counts of running a stop sign (no class associated)
According to the affidavit, on Oct. 19, officers were dispatched to Glitterman Drive for a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The victim told officers that when he exited his home, he noticed the vehicle was missing. The victim reported seeing broken glass on the ground where it had been parked, indicating a potential window break during the theft.
An Apple AirTag was hidden inside the vehicle, according to the victim. Based on the AirTag’s data, officers found the vehicle’s location. The affidavit said McCullough, who was driving the vehicle, began speeding at over 100 mph once officers spotted him. During the chase, the vehicle was also seen swerving side to side.
Police terminated the chase due to dangerous conditions but continued to monitor the area. Not long after, officers determined the vehicle had been seen traveling on Rhonda Drive toward Parker Road.
The affidavit said a Craighead County deputy and a Jonesboro police officer turned onto Rhonda Drive from Parker Road and saw the vehicle going at a high speed. McCullough swerved to avoid a crash with the deputy’s patrol unit, causing the vehicle to run off the road, the affidavit said.
The vehicle then hit and knocked down a stop sign before crashing into a large ditch, the affidavit said.
McCullough was arrested following the crash. Police said they also found the victim’s firearm during a search of the vehicle.
McCullough is being held in the Craighead County Detention Center on a $2,500 cash/surety bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 25.
