Earle police chase ends with arrests of three suspects

Chase proves again the old police adage, ‘you can’t outrun a radio’

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

A high-speed police chase through the city of Earle on November 29, 2024, ended with the arrests of three suspects after a reckless pursuit that endangered both law enforcement and the public. The incident began in Cross County when deputies attempted to stop a dark blue Chrysler 300 “Hellcat” being driven by 19-year-old Isiah Menner, with passengers identi_ed as 20-year-olds Nathan Ellis and Carsean Washington.

According to reports, the pursuit began just after 10 a.m. when Cross County Deputy Marlow attempted to stop the vehicle on Martin Drive near Killough Road. Menner refused to comply, initiating a dangerous chase that quickly escalated. Deputies pursued the car as it sped onto US 64B, then onto Shannon Drive, and back toward Killough before heading eastbound on US 64B. The chase continued with Trooper Matthew West of the Arkansas State Police joining in near Levesque.

Once Trooper West took primary control of the pursuit, Menner’s erratic driving became more evident. Witnesses described the vehicle making reckless lane changes, failing to signal, and narrowly avoiding collisions as it crossed the Bay Bridge and entered Parkin. The Parkin Police Chief attempted to slow the suspect vehicle but was nearly rammed in the process.

At one point, the suspect executed abrupt U-turns to evade of_cers. Despite efforts by Trooper West to perform a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI), Menner regained control and accelerated, reaching speeds of 174 MPH in a 55 MPH zone.

The pursuit took a dangerous turn as the suspects exited off the highway and entered Earle’s city limits. Menner drove recklessly through the back streets, making abrupt turns onto Commerce Street and 11th Street. As the vehicle weaved through Earle, Trooper West briey lost sight of the car and terminated the pursuit to avoid further risk to public safety. Moments later, Arkansas Game and Fish Sergeant Myer located the abandoned vehicle. Menner was not at the scene, but Ellis and Washington were apprehended while attempting to conceal the car with a tarp.

A search of the vehicle revealed it was uninsured, and Menner was unable to provide a driver’s license. Authorities transported Ellis and Washington to the Cross County Detention Facility, where they were charged with tampering with evidence and criminal conspiracy. Menner was later identi_ed as the driver and faces a litany of charges, including felony eeing, reckless driving, and improper lane changes.

Charges:

Isiah Menner:

■ Felony eeing

■ Reckless driving

■ Speeding (174 MPH in a 55 MPH zone)

■ Improper U-turns

■ No liability insurance

■ Tampering with evidence

■ Fleeing on foot

■ Unsafe lane changes

■ No seatbelt

Carsean Washington & Nathan Ellis:

■ Tampering with physical evidence

■ Criminal conspiracy