Mountain Home, AR. – A high-speed chase that ran through town ended with an injury crash after the suspect crashed into a telephone pole. The suspect was 67-year-old Mark Bernard of Mountain Home.
According to the crash report and the Baxter County Sheriff’s report, a deputy had been dispatched to Bernard’s residence to conduct a welfare check. While on the way, he passed Bernard on Highway 5 North. The deputy turned around to catch up to Bernard and turned on his blue lights and siren. When this happened, Bernard started passing vehicles in the turn lane and ran a red light while increasing his speed.
Bernard increased his speed to 55 mph. Then another deputy and an officer from the Mountain Home Police Department set up spike strips at the intersection of Cardinal and 9th Street. They successfully deflated two tires. Bernard continued on two tires, increasing his speed to 85 mph, before he drove off the left side of the road and struck a telephone pole. He received injuries following the crash and was transported to Baxter Health for treatment. Law enforcement did note that he was not wearing a safety device at the time of the crash.
Bernard is facing a felony charge of fleeing, along with multiple traffic offenses when he was arrested. The warrant will be served when he is released from the hospital.
