Sheriff Kenny Cassell states that on Wednesday, December 1, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Stone County Sheriff's Office contacted the Searcy County Sheriff's Office and advised they were in a pursuit with a motorcycle. They reported the incident began in the area of Fox, AR when Stone County deputies attempted to stop the motorcycle for a violation.

The chase continued across Hwy. 66 and into the Big Flat area at which time the chase turned onto Hwy. 14 and headed towards Harriet, AR. Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell explained after entering Searcy County, the pursuit was turned over to Deputies Troy Dye and Blake Kelly, who became primary officers, as Stone County followed as secondary.

Cassell said during the incident speeds never exceeded 55 mph. After reaching the intersection of Hwy. 14 and 27, the motorcycle turned back towards Marshall on Hwy. 27 where Searcy County Chief Deputy Dwayne Pierce waited in the area of Hickory Hollow Road and Hwy. 27. After reaching Pierce's location, he took control and cleared oncoming traffic due to the safety factors.

At the intersection of Ponderosa Lane and Hwy. 27 deputies were able to perform manuvers to slow the speed of the motorcycle to approximately 10 mph, at which time the motorcycle drove into the road ditch, laid over on its side, and came to rest.

Arrested on scene was 57 year old Vernon Eugene Dickens, Jr.  of Mountain View, who is a felon with a lengthy criminal history. Dickens was armed with a handgun, which was seized by a deputy and turned over to Stone County authorities.

At the time of his arrest, Dickens was naked from the waist down except for a pair of chaps he was wearing. Dickens was transported back to Stone County where he will face multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.  Felony charges are pending in Searcy County.

Cassell added no injuries were reported due to the chase and applauds the assistance and the working relationship his department has with other law enforcement agencies especially those like Stone County.