Executive Summary
- Ozzy Dakotalee Barnes was arrested in Craighead County after fleeing a traffic stop on a stolen ATV.
- Deputies reported the vehicle was hot-wired and the suspect was apprehended by a police K-9 unit after a foot chase.
- Barnes allegedly attributed a lack of memory regarding the vehicle’s acquisition to methamphetamine use.
- A judge set bond at $75,000, with a court date scheduled for February 27.
A 23-year-old Harrisburg man remains in custody on a $75,000 bond following a police pursuit involving a stolen all-terrain vehicle in Craighead County, Arkansas. Ozzy Dakotalee Barnes faces multiple felony charges after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and crashing the vehicle before being apprehended by a K-9 unit.
According to an affidavit filed by the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on January 3 when Deputy Sheriff Jared Walls observed an ATV operating without lights on Highway 18. When Deputy Walls attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver, identified as Barnes, reportedly drove off the roadway onto a dirt road. The pursuit concluded after a short distance when the ATV crashed. Police state that Barnes attempted to flee the scene on foot but was captured with the assistance of the deputy’s canine partner.
Upon inspection of the vehicle, deputies discovered that the ignition had been hot-wired. The affidavit confirms that the ATV had been reported stolen from a residence in the 400 block of County Road 675, located near the site of the attempted traffic stop. Following his arrest, Barnes was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center.
During an interview with Detective David Bailey, Barnes allegedly admitted to using methamphetamine the day prior to the incident, claiming the substance affected him differently than in the past. The affidavit notes that while Barnes stated he did not recall how he came into possession of the stolen vehicle, he did remember fleeing from law enforcement. On January 7, District Judge David Boling found probable cause to charge Barnes with Class C felony fleeing, Class C felony theft by receiving, and Class A misdemeanor resisting arrest.
Judicial Proceedings
The imposition of a $75,000 cash/surety bond suggests the court views the combination of vehicle theft and flight from law enforcement as a significant public safety matter. As the case proceeds to a scheduled court appearance on February 27, the defense will likely address the defendant’s claims regarding memory loss and substance use. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
