Ratted Out!

Varmint puts a quick end to car thief’s escape attempt By John Rech

news@theeveningtimes. com

Rats, foiled again!

Those words may have flashed through the mind of Clint Fields, who is currently residing in the Crittenden County Detention Center after he led Crittenden County Sheriff’s deputies and West Memphis police officers on a high-speed chase through the western part of the city and north through the countryside on Monday evening.

When officers attempted to stop a silver Chevrolet Malibu with fictitious Oklahoma tags, the driver refused to stop and the chase was on.

Fields, driving in the car alone, led officers on a pursuit traveling north on Highway 118. Speeds reached 100 mph until Fields encountered a safety barricade, which he scooted around only to splash down into high water from the recent rain. Once the car completely submerged, Fields began attempting to swim away from officers.

Crittenden County Criminal Investigation Chief Todd Grooms reported what happened next.

“Fields’ escape plan was thwarted by a rodent that was also in the water and sought refuge in Fields’ clothing,” said Grooms.

“Fields quickly exited the water where officers assisted with the rodent removal and took Fields into custody.”

The charges on Fields escalated after the Malibu was pulled from the water hole. A glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine or cocaine was located in the vehicle adding the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Fields was charged with theft by receiving for the car, which had been reported stolen, along with a slate of other charges, including fleeing, resisting arrest, careless and prohibited driving, driving while license canceled, and false evidence of title or registration.

He is currently being held on a $35,000 bond.