Police: Man linked to high-speed police chases, auto thefts

FAYETTEVILLE — A man who helped steal at least 10 vehicles was arrested Saturday evening after leading law enforcement officers on a chase, said Sgt. Anthony Murphy, police spokesman.

John William Gaunt, 23, of 2691 N. Center St. was arrested in connection with fleeing, two counts of commercial burglary and possessing a firearm as a felon. Gaunt also was arrested in connection with another commercial burglary, theft of property and criminal mischief, according to two preliminary arrest reports.

Police said Gaunt was involved in burglarizing Eureka Pizza businesses at 2920 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and 1905 E. Mission Ave. Police found a shoe impression at the crime scene that matched Gaunt’s, according to one report.

Law enforcement tried to arrest Gaunt on a warrant Saturday when he fled and the chase began in Benton County, police said.

He failed to report as per his probation, records show. Gaunt pleaded guilty Nov. 13 to leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle in June, according to court records. His probation was revoked in November, and a warrant for his arrest was issued Jan. 5, records show.

Police have recovered 13 vehicles they think Gaunt and two others stole in December, according to reports.

Gaunt was at the Washington County Detention Center with a $100,000 bond Monday.

Gaunt