Deputies use spike strips to stop SUV during high-speed pursuit
An allegedly intoxicated driver was arrested early Saturday after reportedly fleeing from a traffic stop, leading Garland County sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed pursuit before they used spike strips to stop him.
Donato Leon Sutton, 38, who lists a Lakeland Drive address, was taken into custody shortly after 12:30 a.m. and charged with driving while intoxicated, first offense, reckless driving, and fleeing in a vehicle, misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail.
Sutton was also cited for operating an unsafe vehicle, speeding, no seatbelt, careless and prohibited driving, improper passing and refusal to submit to testing.
He was being held on a $2,000 bond and was set to appear Monday in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, shortly before 12:30 a.m. Saturday, sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Cogburn observed a silver Toyota Highlander with no license plate traveling westbound in the 5700 block of Albert Pike and pulled it over at the Shell Station at the corner of Albert Pike and Wicker Terrace.
Cogburn noticed Sutton’s eyes were red and watery and there was a strong odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle. He asked Sutton if he had consumed any alcohol and Sutton reportedly admitted he was drinking earlier. He claimed he “had a few” and said it was “just beer, man.”
Cogburn asked if he was willing to take some field sobriety tests and Sutton asked why he needed to do that. The deputy explained since he had admitted to drinking he needed to see if he was impaired and at first Sutton refused to take the tests but then changed his mind and said he would.
Cogburn noted Sutton’s “demeanor changed” and he began looking around the parking lot, ignoring Cogburn’s questions. Cogburn walked back to his unit to call for backup and as he opened his door, Sutton reportedly put his vehicle in drive and sped off.
Cogburn radioed for assistance and began pursuing Sutton west on Albert Pike, noting Sutton reached speeds of 95 mph and near Oak Grove Road he passed a semi-truck on the left in a no-passing zone. Other deputies had set up spike strips near the Brady Mountain One Stop, so Cogburn slowed down to avoid hitting debris potentially caused when Sutton hit the strips.
Sutton’s vehicle hit the strips, disabling three of his tires, and finally came to a stop in the 7700 block of Albert Pike where he was taken into custody without further incident. Sutton reportedly stated he ran because he had been drinking and “didn’t want to get into trouble.” He refused to do any field sobriety tests or to take a breath test.
Hot Springs Animal Control were called and responded to the scene to pick up a large dog that was in Sutton’s vehicle.