A man wanted on a felony warrant is in custody following a vehicle pursuit and drug arrest involving multiple law enforcement agencies in Drew County.
According to the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF), agents were in the Wilmar area on Jan. 22 when they observed an SUV being driven by Damon “Bo” Berryman. Agents were aware that Berryman had an active felony warrant for his arrest and that his driver’s license was suspended.
Agents attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating their emergency blue lights, but officials say the SUV accelerated and fled. After several turns through Wilmar, the pursuit continued toward the Greenhill area.
As the chase approached the Greenhill Cemetery, additional agencies joined the effort to stop the suspect, including Drew County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a K-9 officer, Monticello Police Department officers, and Arkansas State Police troopers.
Authorities say Berryman continued making several turns down multiple roads in the Greenhill area before turning back onto Greenhill/New Hope Road. He then attempted to turn onto a gated gravel road. The SUV struck a ditch bank and a dirt mound, disabling the vehicle. Berryman was taken into custody without incident.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered numerous illegal narcotic pills and marijuana. Investigators also located a container with suspected methamphetamine that they say was thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit.
Berryman was arrested and booked into the Drew County Detention Facility on charges of felony fleeing, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule 6 substance, possession of a Schedule 2 substance, possession of a Schedule 4 substance with purpose to deliver, tampering with evidence, and the outstanding felony warrant.
The passenger in the vehicle, identified as Shannon Sowheazer, was also taken into custody and booked on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule 6 substance, possession of a Schedule 4 substance with purpose, possession of a Schedule 2 substance, and tampering with evidence.
The 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force thanked all agencies that assisted in the pursuit and arrest, citing the Drew County Sheriff’s Office, Monticello Police Department, and Arkansas State Police for their support.
The investigation remains ongoing.
