Cross-state chase ends in arrest of Missouri man with extensive criminal record

KENNETT, Mo. - A city man was arrested in Arkansas after leading police on a rapid chase that began in town and ended at Paragould, police said.

Greene County Ark., Sheriff Brad Snyder reported Joel Hancock, 50, of 308 Maple St., Kennett, was arrested after he led police on a chase that started at Kennett, crossed into Arkansas at Clay County on Hwy 139 near Mounds and ended at Paragould as Hancock allegedly approached the stop light at Hwy 49 South and the 412 Bypass.

Paragould Emergency Services was notified that Dunklin County Sheriff's Office deputies were in pursuit of a white Jeep Compass, allegedly operated by Hancock, and dispatchers were advised that the driver was wanted for multiple felony warrants, including felony fleeing, Snyder said.

"As our units were responding to assist, the suspect vehicle began taking county roads, effectively cutting across to Hwy 49 north of Paragould," the sheriff said. "Once the pursuit reached just north of Paragould, Dunklin County terminated the pursuit.

"A Paragould PD unit spotted the vehicle near Glen Sain Ford," Snyder said. "And began following the suspect vehicle at a distance until other units arrived in the area and to also prevent a pursuit initiating in the center of town."

The Jeep continued southbound at near normal speeds, Snyder said.

"When the suspect vehicle approached the stop light at Hwy 49 South and the 412 Bypass, units with Paragould PD, this department, and the Arkansas State Police converged on the suspect vehicle," Snyder said.

Hancock was taken into custody without incident, the sheriff reported.

"Thankfully, no local units were required to engage in a pursuit," he noted.

Snyder said in addition to felony charges leveled in Missouri, Hancock was charged by the Arkansas State Police with felony felon in possession of a firearm, felony theft by receiving and a number of traffic violations.

Hancock is reported to have an extensive criminal record and was incarcerated at the Greene County Detention Center at Paragould in lieu of $100,000 bond.

An extradition hearing will be scheduled, Snyder said.