Ramsey, 23, pleads not guilty in negligent homicide case

BENTONVILLE — A Centerton man pleaded not guilty to a felony charge accusing him of causing another man’s death in a September car crash.

Mitchell Cameron Ramsey, 23, is charged with negligent homicide. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the charge at his arraignment before Circuit Judge Robin Green.

Ramsey was being held Tuesday in the Benton County Jail with a $100,000 bond set.

Rogers police responded to a three-vehicle crash at 4:05 p.m. Sept. 28 at North 13th and West Persimmon streets, according to court documents.

Donald Davis, a Rogers police officer, reported he could smell alcohol on Ramsey’s breath and he noticed Ramsey’s speech was slurred, according to a probable cause affidavit.

A paramedic treating Ramsey noted he appeared intoxicated, according to the affidavit.

William Dudzieski, the driver of one of the other cars, died at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville.

Brandon Henson, the driver of the third vehicle, told police he was stopped on North 13th Street when he saw Ramsey’s car hit Dudzieski’s. Henson said Ramsey didn’t stop at the stop sign, according to court documents.

Ramsey told police he didn’t remember anything about the accident and only remembered leaving JJ’s Bar & Grill, according to the affidavit.

Police obtained a blood sample from Ramsey, according to court documents, which indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.20. The legal limit in Arkansas is 0.08.

A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 15.

The criminal case isn’t the only court action in connection with Dudzieski’s death.

Bentonville attorney Bruce Mulkey filed a civil lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of Dudzieski’s estate against Ramsey, JJ’s Grill and Fast Lane Entertainment.

The lawsuit claims Fast Lane and JJ’s Grill sold Ramsey alcoholic beverages even though Ramsey was intoxicated, according to court documents.

“The family of Mr. Dudzieski hopes that every alcohol retailer in this state learns of this lawsuit,” Mulkey said. “Serving responsibly is no less important than drinking responsibly.”

The lawsuit is seeking up to $10 million in compensatory damages and up to $20 million in punitive damages.

The civil suit is assigned to Circuit Judge Doug Schrantz.