WESTERN GROVE — Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said a 33-year-old man on a four-wheeler ran from a deputy Wednesday night for the second time and was airlifted for treatment of injuries.
Wheeler said Deputy Adam Sirmons was working his first shift after graduating from the police academy when he saw 33-year-old Matthew Mills riding the ATV at Western Grove. Sirmons initiated a traffic stop, but Mills crossed Highway 65 near the Shamrock Apartments and a chase ensued.
Wheeler said the pursuit ran into both Marion and Searcy counties before Mills finally wrecked the four-wheeler near Pindall.
The vehicle rolled over on top of him and he was unconscious for a time, but Wheeler said he was alert and talking when he was taken to North Arkansas Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Due to medical circumstances, Mills was airlifted to a Springfield, Missouri, hospital for further treatment.
Even though Sirmons was on his first shift after attending the Arkansas Law Enforcement Academy, he had been a part-time deputy for a few years prior to that.