Tractor Supply shoplifters arrested after traffic stop

Suspects lead ASP on high-speed chase through WM

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

A routine traf_c stop on the morning of November 14, 2024, escalated into a highspeed chase and arrests for shoplifting and other serious charges.

Just before 10:00 a.m., Trooper Collier Wright of the Arkansas State Police stopped a white Jeep Grand Cherokee near the Mid-Continent building on North Avalon and East Service Road for careless and prohibited driving. Before the stop, Trooper Wright observed the vehicle illegally passing on a double yellow line and making a sudden turn upon seeing the patrol car.

The driver, identi_ed as Phillip Harris of Pennsylvania, provided identification and receipts with the vehicle’s VIN but displayed suspicious behavior. During the stop, Trooper Wright was informed via police radio that the vehicle matched the description of one involved in a shoplifting incident at Tractor Supply in West Memphis.

As additional West Memphis Police Department of_cers arrived, Harris ed, initiating a high-speed chase. The pursuit traversed through the Mid-Continent and Kroger parking lots before continuing east on East Service Road, where Harris accelerated to 90 mph in heavy traf_c. Trooper Wright executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) near the intersection of 7th Street, safely disabling the vehicle.

Both Harris and his passenger, Marquis Harris, ed on foot. Trooper Wright apprehended Phillip Harris with a

See ARREST, page A2

P. HARRIS

M. HARRIS ARREST

From page A1

taser near Interstate 40, preventing him from entering heavy traffic. Meanwhile, West Memphis officers captured Marquis Harris behind a nearby hotel.

Authorities discovered over $1,000 worth of tools stolen from Tractor Supply in the vehicle. Additionally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee had struck another vehicle while fleeing the store parking lot, escalating the charges.

Phillip Harris faces multiple charges from Arkansas State Police, including:

■ ■ Reckless driving

■ ■ Careless and prohibited driving

■ ■ Improper display of license tags

■ ■ Fleeing on foot

■ ■ Felony fleeing (substantial risk of injury or death) He also faces charges from West Memphis Police for aggravated robbery, felony theft, and leaving the scene of an accident. His bond was set at $125,000.

Marquis Harris was charged with fleeing on foot by Arkansas State Police and faces additional charges from West Memphis Police. His bond was set at $75,000.

Both suspects remain in custody, awaiting trial.