Pine Bluff Police arrested two men Thursday afternoon after a lengthy and dangerous vehicle chase that wound through multiple neighborhood streets in the central part of the city.
The driver, Vernon Lee McCraney, 23, of Pine Bluff, was taken into custody and faces several felony charges, including violating the Uniform Machine Gun Act, criminal use of a prohibited weapon, engaging in criminal gang activity, and aggravated assault. His passenger, Jacques Shorter, 19, also of Pine Bluff, faces similar charges.
The pursuit began around 4 p.m. near East 6th Avenue and Missouri Street when a white Hyundai Elantra sped past a patrol vehicle. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver accelerated, turning onto East 8th Avenue and running the stop sign at 8th and Wisconsin Street at more than 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
The chase continued through several intersections as the Hyundai ran multiple stop signs, traveled at high speeds, and weaved through residential streets. Other PBPD units joined the pursuit as the vehicle moved south on Washington Street and onto Utah Street, repeatedly ignoring stop signs.
At one point, police say the driver attempted to collide with a detective’s unit at Nebraska Street and East 11th Avenue. The detective was not injured.
The pursuit continued until the Hyundai reached West 16th Avenue, where its right rear tire separated from the rim. Moments later, the vehicle came to a stop near 1604 S. Oak Street.
McCraney attempted to run but was blocked by a police unit and surrendered. Shorter fled on foot but fell after about 10 yards and was taken into custody.
Onlookers in the Belmoor subdivision told officers they saw two firearms thrown from the vehicle during the chase. Officers later recovered both weapons.
“We are thankful that this pursuit ended without anyone being injured,” said PBPD Public Information Specialist John Worthen. “This type of reckless behavior puts everyone in danger and will not be tolerated in the City of Pine Bluff. We want to thank our officers involved in this pursuit. They caught these suspects and prevented any injuries to innocent residents.”
The investigation is ongoing.
