By Ray King
A $10,000 cash only bond was set Thursday for a Star City man accused of leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase that began in Pine Bluff and ended in Star City Tuesday.
Jefferson County District Judge Kim Bridgforth set the bond after ruling prosecutors have probable cause to charge Tony Massie, 22, with three counts of second-degree battery, fleeing in a vehicle causing danger and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Massie has charges of aggravated robbery, theft of property and being a felon in possession of a firearm and is currently out on bond. Deputy Prosecutor Jill Reed said during the court hearing that prosecutors will be filing a petition to revoke that bond.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Detective Lt. Jason Howard attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Massie for speeding 79 in a 45-mile-per-hour zone.
Howard reported that when he approached the vehicle, he noticed an odor of marijuana and asked Massie for his driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance which Massie provided. When he was asked to step out of the vehicle because of the odor of marijuana he told Howard he was late for work and asked Howard to write him a ticket.
He refused to exit the vehicle and reportedly became upset and when he was asked to show his hands, Howard reported seeing a handgun fall near Massie’s leg. Massie then took off and led law enforcement officers from several agencies on a high-speed chase at speeds of up to 120 miles-per-hour.
Reed said during the chase, Detectives Kevin Kirk, Chris Sweeny and Jeremy Crosby were in one vehicle when a vehicle pulled out in front of them, causing an accident. All three detectives received injuries.
The chase finally ended in Star City when Massie was arrested.
In addition to the pending charges, Reed said Massie has had two prior felony convictions, one in Jefferson County and one in Lincoln County.
Massie said he would hire his own attorney.
