By Ray King
A $100,000 cash-only bond was set Wednesday for a Sherrill man who prosecutors said has been actively hiding from law enforcement for months and has pending charges from 2020.
Chidra Thomas, 22, was taken into custody after he fled from a vehicle that had been involved in a pursuit in the western part of Pine Bluff Tuesday.
Reading from an affidavit from Sheriff’s Capt. Yohance Brunson, Deputy Prosecutor Lisa McGriff said investigators from the Tri-County Drug Task Force and members of the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections Special Response team were conducting surveillance at the Blake Street Apartments after receiving a tip that Thomas was in one of the apartments.
They saw a white Toyota enter the parking lot and Thomas came out of the apartment carrying a backpack and a suitcase. They also noticed that the driver of the vehicle was not wearing a seat belt.
McGriff said the Toyota drove into the northbound lane and oncoming motorists had to stop or take evasive action to avoid being hit. The pursuit ended when the car stopped in front of 4018 Holly and Thomas and the driver fled on foot. They were caught in a wooded area behind Camelot Apartments and taken to the sheriff’s office for questioning.
A search of the car resulted in officers finding two Glock handguns under the passenger seat.
Brunson reported that Thomas refused to make a statement. The driver, who was a juvenile, was questioned after a parent came to the sheriff’s office and McGriff read a statement the juvenile gave to investigators.
