Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Pine Bluff Police arrested two men yesterday after a high-speed vehicle chase through the heart of the city that spanned multiple neighborhoods, ran through several stop signs, and endangered the lives of officers and residents alike.
The driver, Vernon Lee McCraney, 23, of Pine Bluff, is facing several serious charges, including violating the Uniform Machine Gun Act, criminal use of a prohibited weapon, engaging in criminal gang activity, and aggravated assault. His passenger, Jacques Shorter, 19, also of Pine Bluff, faces similar charges following the chase.
Chase Begins with High-Speed Violation
The pursuit began shortly after 4 p.m. in the area of East 6th Avenue and Missouri Street, when officers observed a white Hyundai Elantra traveling at a high rate of speed, passing a patrol car. The officer activated emergency lights and sirens as the suspect vehicle turned east onto East 8th Avenue, running the stop sign at 8th and Wisconsin Street while exceeding the speed limit by at least 20 miles per hour.
The vehicle continued to disobey multiple traffic laws as it turned west onto East 9th Avenue, ignoring another stop sign at South Washington Street, and then sped south on Washington, blowing through the intersection at East 10th Avenue.
Additional police units joined the pursuit as the suspects continued to flee. The Hyundai ran more stop signs, including at East 10th and Utah, then turned north onto Utah Street.
Attempted Collision and Final Stop
According to police reports, the situation escalated dangerously when the driver attempted to intentionally collide with a PBPD detective’s unit at Nebraska Street and East 11th Avenue, before turning west onto East 11th. Thankfully, the detective escaped unharmed.
The pursuit continued until the vehicle reached West 16th Avenue, where its right rear tire detached from the rim, compromising the vehicle’s ability to flee. The Hyundai then ran a final stop sign at 16th and Oak Street before coming to a stop in front of 1604 South Oak Street.
Arrest and Weapons Recovery
McCraney attempted to flee on foot, but his path was blocked by a police unit, forcing him to surrender. Shorter also exited the vehicle and ran about 10 yards before falling and surrendering without further incident.
As officers processed the scene, witnesses in the Belmoor subdivision reported seeing two firearms thrown from the fleeing vehicle. Those weapons were recovered shortly afterward by other responding units.
Community and Police Response
Following the arrests, PBPD Public Information Specialist John Worthen praised the officers for their coordinated efforts and quick response, preventing harm to others in the community.
“We are thankful that this pursuit ended without anyone being injured,” Worthen stated. “This type of reckless behavior puts everyone in danger and will not be tolerated in the City of Pine Bluff. We want to thank our officers involved in this pursuit. They caught these suspects and prevented any injuries to innocent residents.”
Both men are now in custody as the investigation continues. Their arrests mark a significant moment in the city’s ongoing efforts to combat gun violence and gang activity within Pine Bluff’s neighborhoods.
