Drew County Deputy Sheriff Timothy Braden, 29, was killed in the line of duty this morning following a motor vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash just outside Monticello along Barkada Road.
At approximately 1:35 AM (Thursday, August 24th), Deputy Braden initiated a traffic stop involving a vehicle driven by Samuel Vincent, 24, of Monticello. Vincent refused to stop and fled.
Both vehicles were subsequently involved in a crash resulting in the death of Deputy Braden and injuries to Vincent.
An investigation of the crash and pursuit is underway involving both the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division and Criminal Investigation Division. The Arkansas State Police investigation is being conducted at the request of authorities within the Drew County Sheriff’s Department.
Vincent has been taken into custody and is being held at the Ashley County Detention Center on the authority of Thomas Deen, 10th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney.