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Hot Springs, AR (March 13, 2026) – Two people were killed and two others injured on Thursday, March 12, after a crash occurred during a vehicle pursuit in Hot Springs.
Police said an officer attempted to stop a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Cleveland and White Streets. The driver fled, leading to a chase that ended when the fleeing vehicle struck another car traveling east on Hobson Ave at Fifth St.
The impact resulted in the deaths of two occupants and injuries to two others. The suspect fled on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter at Fourth Street and South Avenue. He was identified as 50-year-old Lee Amos Smith of Hot Springs.
Smith faces multiple charges, including two counts of manslaughter, two counts of third-degree battery, fleeing, leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death, theft by receiving, and three counts of second-degree criminal mischief.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. Our condolences go out to the families of those killed.
Why High-Speed Vehicle Pursuits Can Lead to Deadly Accidents
Crashes during vehicle pursuits often result in severe injuries or fatalities because fleeing drivers may travel at high speeds through residential or busy streets. Sudden maneuvers, distracted driving, and failure to obey traffic signals can quickly put other vehicles and pedestrians at risk.
The force of impact is often amplified in collisions caused by high-speed chases, making even minor collisions potentially deadly. Emergency responders must quickly secure the scene, provide medical care, and manage traffic to prevent further accidents.
Vehicle pursuits also increase the likelihood of multi-vehicle crashes because the fleeing driver may collide with cars attempting to follow traffic rules or navigate the roadway safely.
