Following a lengthy investigation, Benton Police Department detectives announced today the arrest of Jerrica Speed, age 28, of Hot Springs, for her involvement in the death of Zarious Evans, age 13,of Benton, on January 15, 2023.
Speed is charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death or Serious Injury (Class D Felony); Negligent Homicide (Class A Misdemeanor); and Obstructing Governmental Operations (Class A Misdemeanor). She was issued a $5000 cash/ sheriff’s bond. Three juveniles are also facing Curfew Violation and other misdemeanor charges in relation to the incident.
PREVIOUSLY 6PM, TUE, JAN 17, 2023
Benton Police Department detectives continue their investigation of the fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred the morning of Jan. 15. Jerrica Speed, 28, of Hot Springs, has been named as the driver. Speed made contact with authorities regarding the incident and investigators were able to confirm the vehicle’s involvement.
Once detectives complete their investigation, they will turn the case file over to the prosecuting attorney’s office for review and recommendation on charges.
More information may be released as the investigation continues. Anyone with information regarding the incident is still urged to contact BNPD.
Read the narrative from the police report below:
On 1/15/2023 at approximately 6:25 am, officers were dispatched to Sakura on Alcoa Road with Bryant Police Department after receiving a call from a female saying there was an accident. Officer Houdek arrived on scene and notified Sgt. Curtis that the female said there was a dead body in the area that was hit by a vehicle.
I responded to the location and spoke with Officer Houdek further who stated that a male had been hit by a vehicle on the service road near RV City. I proceeded to the area in an attempt to locate anyone. While searching the area, I observed what appeared to be a person in the ditch located on the South Service Road between Crain Motorsports and Heartland Nursing Home.
I got out to check on the subject and observed large gash in their head along with a large amount of blood. No pulse could be felt. Dispatch was advised to get paramedics and CID enroute. The area was cordoned off and the service road was shut down with diverting traffic onto the interstate.
Debris from an unknown black vehicle was observed on the right most lane of the service road and the shoulder that included pieces from the inner fender, headlight assembly, and bumper. The debris field began just before the utility pole closest to the body and went to just before the second driveway for Heartland Nursing Home.
A BOLO was put out to surrounding agencies for the other individuals that were with the victim and the vehicle involved in the crash. Notifications were made to the Benton Police Department command staff. CID responded and assumed the investigation.
UPDATED 5:40PM, MON, JAN 16, 2023
The Benton Police Department says their detectives have they have identified a suspect in the apparent hit-and-run crash that killed a young teen boy on Sunday morning.
Detectives are not yet releasing the name, since the investigation is still in the process. Anyone with information regarding the incident is still urged to contact BNPD with the contact info ??below in red. Watch this page on MySaline for more information as the investigation continues.
PREVIOUSLY SUN, JAN 15, 2023
A 13-year-old boy is dead from an apparent hit-and-run incident in Benton. The Benton Police Department responded to the area of the 19000 block of the eastbound Frontage Road just before 7 a.m. Sunday, January 15th. There had been reports of an unresponsive juvenile male.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased 13-year-old black male, believed to be the victim of a hit-and-run occurring in the early morning hours. Evidence on scene suggests a black Nissan Pathfinder with damage to the passenger side as the vehicle involved.
BNPD Criminal Investigations Division has assumed the investigation, which remains ongoing. Additional updates may be forthcoming as information becomes available.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-776-5947. You can also anonymously text “BENTONPD plus your message” to 847411 or leave a tip via the official BNPD app available on iTunes and Google Play.
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