Teenagers lead police on high-speed chase before wrecking stolen vehicle

Forrest City police recovered a stolen vehicle early today after three teenagers led officers on a high-speed chase through a neighborhood near the Turner Road area.

According to a report on file at the Forrest City Police Department, about 2 a.m., an officer patrolling along West Broadway attempted to stop a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu that did not have tag lights.

As the officer initiated the stop, the driver reportedly fled southwest on Turner Road at a high rate of speed. The vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old of Forrest City, turned left on Airport Road, traveling over 70 miles per hour, before making another left on Mallory Road where the chase reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour, police reported. Officers said the driver was attempting to make a sharp left turn at a high rate of speed on Mallory Road when he lost control of the vehicle, causing him to wreck into nearby woods

While searching the vehicle, officers found 39.57 grams of marijuana and a set of digital scales. The teenager driver was reportedly in possession of $1,718 in cash.

During a routine check on the vehicle, officers learned that the car and the tags on it had both been reported stolen in St. Francis County. The tags on the 2011 Chevrolet were issued to a 2007 Ford Escape, according to police.

Two of the three subjects were transported to the FCPD.

The driver is charged with possession of a controlled substance, theft by receiving, driving on a suspended driver’s license, fictitious/improper use of tags, no proof of liability insurance, fleeing in a vehicle, reckless driving, running a stop sign and theft by receiving.

Police identified the front seat passenger as Jaylan Cottrell, 18, 620 Rosser St., Forrest City. He is charged with fleeing in a vehicle.

The third subject was reportedly detained, but has not been charged, according to the report.