367 is trying to stop this vehicle. Looks like we're going to be in pursuit. He's bound to proceed with me. They try to cash a forge check in bank here. Maroon Dodge Challenger. Two black males. >> Maroon Challenger. Two white males. >> Passing wrong. That's a tin tag. I've never >> speeds at 80 traffic. Make your last time passing the ball. Change over Another Y. 369 going to be a warning. 33 magazine Trying to catch your voice check. We got a city cent just left magazine still highway 10. See if I can get up here on the street. Careful. Got to go down this way. >> Smith RDMS. They hit a tree. Went up. Hit them. The car's on fire. Copy. Vehicle on fire. 1020. >> Just the magazine. >> Show me your hand. Show me your hand. Put your hands on your head. Hands on your head. Hands on your head. I don't care. Don't stop. Hands on your head. Don't move. Don't move. Somebody's moving. Can't me. Don't me. In your face now. Get out. Get out. Get down. Put your hands behind your back. Hands behind your back. Come on. Hurry up and stand up. Hurry. Hey, roll over. Roll over. >> Roll over. Hey, somebody help me get him away from the car. Somebody help me get him away. TREY, COME HERE. WE GOT TO GET HIM AWAY. ROLL HIM ON HIS BACK AND DRIVE HIM. >> Just hit him like this car. >> Get him away from the car. >> We got to get him farther. That's not far enough. >> You got to stand up. >> Hey, we need help, man. >> Hey, you're big. Stand up. >> Get up, brother. >> Come on, man. >> Stand up. >> Help us out. Help us out. >> What's going on? >> All right. [clears throat] You ask? >> No. Yeah. We got to get further away. >> That car is going to blow. Seriously, we got to get further away. >> You listen to me. You have to stand up. >> J also from east side of Hill County. >> 250 times three. Cars about to blow. >> [screaming] >> Hey, we got to get further away. >> That car is going to blow. [screaming] [screaming] >> Hey, where's EMS? >> What? >> I called for him. >> Hold on. I got EMS coming, Bo. Hold on. Why'd y'all run? >> Hey, we got EMS coming, man. Where's it hurt at? Can you set up on your butt? Can you sit up on your butt? [screaming] >> Can you set up on your butt? Hey, settle down. Sit up on your butt, [screaming] >> BROTHER. >> WE PROBABLY need to get further back than this. >> When this blows, IT'S GOING TO BE BAD. >> HEY, we've got to move, man. >> That car is going to blow. >> Come on. >> I can't get up on it. >> You got to help us, man. >> You got to work. >> You're over 300 lb. >> Come on. Oh [ __ ] >> Is it just there, y'all? >> Yeah. >> Nobody else. >> Get over here in the ground. [ __ ] >> We said I haven't checked it. >> Hey, let me get back. >> It's about to blow, Charlie. >> Hey, Charlie. It's been on fire for a bit. But I wouldn't get close. >> Ever since I hit it, it caught by. >> All right. Well, >> we got EMS coming. >> He's doing M's going back up. Put it on the truck rolling down the road. EMS can get >> You might call for two EMSs. >> There's another one right there. >> How many were in there? >> He said there was only three of them. >> I thought he said three. Ah, where my chest? My chest. Somebody not [ __ ] >> All right, hop up on this tailgate. We're going to pull you up. [ __ ] Mets here. They're on their way. Okay. Hop >> on. I'm just a dude. I am not driving a car. Nothing else. That'll kill me. >> Is he able to get up? If not, down here, he can get up here. >> You're going to have to get up here, dude. You can jump up there. Come on. >> Come on. >> Turn. Turn around. >> Turn with a little more. >> Have a seat. [gasps] >> I [ __ ] with him over there. >> All right, I'm moving my car. Cody, you better back up, too. 364 for Smith. We got everybody away from the car. It's about to blow up. 10. >> You want me to clear the net or hold it? >> Do the 36. I know you're busy, but when you get a chance, give me a 21, please. >> Hey, I guess I'll keep this shut down until they get that. >> Yeah, it's going to blow, man. >> We can't let anybody pass. >> It's DMS. >> Yeah, I'm good. I know. I didn't want to let it to get the magazine, but I didn't have a chance between their magazine. >> I was trying to get it over your driver. >> My skinny guy. >> Yeah. Whatever. >> Him or that one in the room? >> No, he said no. Why'd you run, man? Who? I didn't drive. I didn't freaking drive. What? >> Who was driving? >> Why'd you run? >> Hey, turn. >> He all is. My [ __ ] back is giving out, man. >> We got EMS on the way, man. >> [ __ ] leg was already broke. >> We got EMS on the way. They're right here. >> Draight. >> You straight. >> You straight. >> So, you're saying he was coming? So, if I go back and watch that gas station footage, he's the one in the driver's seat. >> Yeah. Go. >> Okay. I'm going to >> All right. But look, this what I'm saying though, bro. Like, it ain't no way you can like adjust my arms out of [ __ ] place. I'm >> They're about to come check you out. You got anything on you? Why'd you run, man? >> Hell no. >> Were you driving? >> No, sir. >> Who's driving? >> 10 years driving. >> You weren't driving? Okay, so >> I bet it was this man right here. No, >> I was not [ __ ] driving. I pulled out the back seat. We'll have to go back and watch the footage. >> Bro, is that the only EMS I got? >> I got another one coming. >> Excuse me. Hey buddy, you all right? >> Yeah, I'm perfect. >> Awesome. >> Not bad at all. >> Good. What happened? >> Uh got a Boomville got a call about a blackmail that came into the bank and tried to cash a forge check. They tried to stop him. He took out uh said he went over to a gas station across the street. I came up to the gas station, pulled in right behind them, hit my blue lights, and as soon as I did, they just gunned it. >> So, Booville tried to stop at first before that or >> No, they they were pulling in at the same time as I was. >> Oh, I got you. >> They pulled around front. I pulled behind them, hit my blue lights, and they took off. >> Okay, so you initiated it? >> Yes. >> Awesome. Um, okay. So, then we take off east on 10. >> Yeah. Yeah. About 8 miles. Probably last about 8 miles. About a mile east of magazine right now to the left. Exited on the north side of the roadway. Hit a tree. Spun off the tree. Vehicle was immediately on fire. Yes, they're all saying that they weren't driving. >> Not for 100% certain. I think this I think I know which one it is, but I'll have to go back and watch gas station footage. >> Got it. Yeah, >> cuz I mean, as soon as they hit that tree, they started bailing out of the car. Oh, >> okay. So, they're not hurt bad or anything? Uh, one of them's complaining of leg leg pain. He thinks his legs broke. The other one's saying his back hurts. They've got minor Yeah, they're talking. They got minor injur injuries, bleeding. They're all three bleeding. I don't think any of them are wearing their seat belts. So, yes, sir. Okay. They don't have video in their cars. Okay. >> Nope. >> Hey, look at you. >> Yeah. Yes. Yes. You got anything with my stick in it? That act like it's been >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. Look at me. Here's your driver, by the way. >> That's my driver. >> That's the one down there. I don't know if he was driver or not. >> They're all saying each other was driving. >> Uh-oh. What happened? Yeah, we do. He's going in. >> He's got no injuries. Well, I think his uh left >> and buddy relax for me. Okay, >> I got a picture of him. >> I mean, he had shorts on. That's about it. I got it. Hey, I'm going to need you to come down here. I got to change the status on one season out. Unresponsive. So, what I need I Okay. Okay. Okay. probably >> I got to freaking hold the scene now. He's unresponsive. Seasoning out. They think he's got brain problems. >> They're all saying each other was driving. >> I'm pretty sure the one in the red was driving. I think he was too cuz the bank ID was which one got the car >> when I was pulling up to the gas station. I think I saw him get in the driver seat in the red passenger seat. >> One of them got in the passenger seat. >> This guy over here swears it's not him and he's trying to blame it on the old man. >> The old man he crawled out of the very back. >> That that guy's got gangster. There might be more than just a pursuit here probably. There's supposed to be another vehicle in town too than these guys. Yeah, there's three of them all here. >> Me and Skyler pulled up the jammark and he lit them up and they just took off. >> Need to make sure they ain't got this old man out against his will or something cuz he he's trying to push on the old man. >> Yeah. Tell them what was in the car. Did y'all hear that? Wasn't bullets going off, was it? >> I don't know. >> Hopefully he got here when they first got >> coming because of his status. He told us to take pictures and hold this thing until he gets to see my old man. >> He's complaining about his chest. I'm going to say it's a steer wheel injury right >> probably. >> No, red. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think with Mac >> I think >> Well, he came out first right there on the passenger side. Yeah, I think the guy in the big guy that Max got the one that got in the passenger seat and the guy in the blue climbed out of the back so the guy over there is already want to call his family and get out here and say hold me. I ain't done nothing wrong. >> Yeah, we can. >> Huh? The one that wouldn't leave the damn burn that car. It may be I got to get Hey, if one of y'all will go with or I'll need somebody to go with them all to the hospital. I got to wait on my lieutenant here. >> Abback's taking the old man. So EMS is going to if they have handcuffs, EMS will make us right in. >> I got to start getting pictures. This is Special Agent Chris Waters with the Arkansas State Police. I'm here at the Boomville Police Department with Skyler Mroy, uh, trooper who was involved in a pursuit yesterday afternoon. And it is currently June 15th at let's see what time it is here 1:29 p.m. Uh Skyler, could you tell me a little bit about what happened yesterday beginning with uh sort of where you were at and what information you got that caused you to become involved in this? Yes, I was at uh Boomal PD when they received a call from the First Western East branch stating that a black male had came in and tried to cash a forge check. They said the blackmail left on foot uh was walking down the road and then so me and investigator Cody Smith got in our vehicles, started headed that way on the way to the bank. uh came out over the radio from Boomville Dispatch that the black male was now across the street at what they call Jamar getting in a maroon passenger car. As I was pulling up to Jamart, I saw a black male getting inside of a maroon passenger car at Jamar. I pulled in behind them. Investigator Smith pulled around to the front. As soon as I got behind them, I lit turned my lights on. They kept going, pulled out of the parking lot, and as soon as they got onto the road, they floored it and accelerated and took off. And at that time, I called out pursuit. Uh we traveled east on Highway 10, passing Boom Ball Fields where they almost hit somebody uh right there at Louder and Highway 10. The pursuit continued on into magazine where they almost hit another vehicle head on in front of the tire center. >> Did they get on the opposite side of the road or something? >> Yes, they went on to the opposite side of the road and I believe it was a double yellow at that time and >> almost hit I think it was a gray passenger car, gray SUV that they almost hit head on. >> Um then we entered the city limits of magazine go through magazine at high rates of speed. Uh they had to slow down due to traffic and then almost hit another vehicle trying to get out of the way right there in front of the Dollar General. >> So we're up to three vehicles have almost hit now. Is that right? Okay. >> And then we get through magazine. I knew there were straight stretches coming up cuz I'm familiar with the area. And after we topped the hill and I could see that nobody was coming, I got in position and performed a pit maneuver. And after the pit, the vehicle spun out of control and left the roadway and hit a tree and instantly caught on fire. After that, we positioned our cars in a a tactically sound place. They were all trying to exit the passenger side vehicle. The first black male, the bigger one wearing a red shirt, got out first. Uh he took a couple steps, fell down, said he couldn't move. Then the skinnier one, Devonte Adams, came out and we got them handcuffed and then I saw movement in there. Uh, a hand is what I saw first and it was an older man climbing through the airbags and stuff and got him out, handcuffed them all. And then we got him out of the way before the car was exploding. While we were over in the ditch, the old man fell out and started having medical issues and was lifellighted. The other two were then taken by EMS by ground to Fort Smith and Bone respectively. >> Okay. And I just want to get something something clear. Uh you said the big guy came out first and they all exited through the passenger door. Correct. Correct. >> And this is a two-door vehicle, right? >> They all exited out the passenger door and the big guy was first >> and then the little guy was second. >> Yes. It was almost instant. And as soon as I got my as I was turning my car around, I observed the big male the passenger roller came open. He came out. >> Yeah. Yeah. And he uh so that would any person with applying common sense to this would >> read that to believe that the p the big guy was the passenger. Yes. >> And then the guy that come out behind him was the driver, the little guy. >> Correct. >> Okay. And uh and the old man was in the back seat. >> Yes. >> Okay. And uh can you think of anything? I'm I'm guessing. But let me back up just a bit. I just want to make sure I'm understanding what you're you're talking about uh uh regarding you initiating that pit maneuver. He had already crossed the center line and almost hit three vehicles. >> Yes. >> And you had already traveled at high speeds. Uh, and you were concerned that once he got out on that clear straight stretch that he might accelerate even more. >> Yes. >> And jeopardize a number of other people and that's why you decided to >> execute the pit maneuver. >> Correct. He was >> after especially after that one in magazine I knew like he's not I mean he came super super close to hitting him head on and I knew that he had no regard >> for anybody and >> I feel like I needed to end it and I said so on the radio as soon as we get out here on the straight stretch I'm going to >> cuz I mean there's driveways and roads coming off of Highway 10 right there that if anybody would have pulled out he could have t-boned them or >> Sure. Yeah. You know, it's fortunate you made a good decision there in my opinion. Uh, can you think of anything else that I uh I haven't thought to mention that you think is important to this whole incident? Uh, anything you need to add to >> No, I mean, I just knew that they were just committed a felony at the bank. They were trying to cash a forge check that they weren't unsuccessful at. And I mean they were when I got behind the car I didn't recognize them and I'm it's a small town and I'm pretty familiar with everybody and I didn't have a clue who they were and lit them up. They matched the vehicle description and subject description. >> Right. So he knew they were willing to commit a felony and driving dangerously. Who knows what they were willing to do. >> Exactly. They were willing to do anything to get away. >> Right. All right. Well, I certainly appreciate your time. It's 1:36 p.m. and that will conclude this interview. >> Two more. I don't know, man. I don't know where they're wanting to land him. >> Hey, did we get the old man's information? Do we have a name and date of birth on the old man? This is special agent Chris Waters with the Arkansas State Police. I'm here at the Boomville Police Department speaking with your Lieutenant, right? Lieutenant Cody Smith of the Boomville Police Department. It's currently, see, 5:49 p.m. on June 14th. And Lieutenant, we're talking about this. I guess you and uh Skyler Mroy uh were up here at the police department when you were advised of these group of guys trying to cash a cash a check at a bank. >> Yes. >> Remember what bank that was? >> Uh First Western Bank, East Branch. >> Okay. And when you made aware of that, did you immediately get up and go? >> Yes. Okay. You and Skyler both You were y'all were here at the PD. >> Yes, we left at the same time. >> Okay. What What happened then? Where'd you go? >> Um me and Skyler went eastbound to uh try to make contact with these uh people. We were told that a africanamean individual male was uh tried to cash a forge check at First Western and that he had left walking. And then uh when we were getting closer to First Western Bank, uh it seems like somebody either hollered at us on the radio or called and said that they were getting into a vehicle at uh Littlefield Express or Jam. >> They give you a vehicle description or just >> uh Yeah, I believe it came out as a as a maroon. Um, I think they told us a Mustang, but um when we got closer to uh the gas station, uh Skyler pulled in first and I pulled in second, um we noticed uh a burnt orange uh Dodge Challenger sitting by a gas pump and we observed a a black male get into the passenger seat. Um, at that time, Skylar, um, he was directly behind him. He flipped his blue lights on and I pulled up beside him. Um, >> so you're going to do a traffic stop on these guys? >> Yes. Based off the, uh, the male that was trying to cash the forge check, >> right? Um, as soon as we turn the lights on, uh, the car slowly takes off, pulls out to the highway, and travels eastbound at a high rate of speed. [music] Um, travels eastbound, high rate of speed. Um, we were coming into, uh, magazine city limits. Um there were several vehicles um on the roadway and at one point there at the intersection of 109 and Highway 10 um I mean he came within inches of of hitting a lady head on that that probably would have severely hurt her. [music] >> We kept traveling eastbound. Uh we got on the east side of magazine uh in a straight stretch and trooper Mroy got um right up beside the suspect car and did his u vehicle maneuver >> pit maneuver. >> Pit maneuver. And um that time a vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, um went up in flames, and got thrown about 15 ft probably. Um we got out. Um >> did you notice if anybody got ejected from that? Can you tell? >> No, I didn't notice anybody getting ejected. Um when we got out um there was a uh the passenger side door come open. The fire was at the front of the vehicle in the hood area. Um the passenger door was open and noticed one of the black males kind of fell out of the passenger side. Um, and then right behind him, um, which I'm assuming was the driver, come crawling out, we ordered them down to the ground. Um, I got them in custody and moved them away from the vehicle. And once we moved them away from the vehicle, we observed a third male come crawling out of what appeared to be the back of the car. He came out the passenger side, but um he was I'm going to say probably disoriented because we were giving him commands and he was not following commands and uh we went up and got him and pulled him away from the vehicle and placed him into custody as well. >> Now the and I just have a couple questions. The uh the guy that came out of the passenger side first, was he a big guy or a little guy? Uh, the guy that came out of the passenger seat was the bigger the bigger black male. >> Okay. So, the smaller one was the driver. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. >> And then the old the older black male was the last one out of the vehicle that he appeared to be crawling from the back towards the front to get out. >> Okay. Uh, that sounds good. Do you have a is there anything maybe uh that you think's important that we know that I hadn't thought to ask that you think might be doesn't have to be terribly important in it but all that I can think of is we were trying to conduct an investigation on a >> Right. Yeah. Yeah. All right. That'll do it then. It is currently 5:55 p.m. and that will conclude our interview. This special agent Chris Waters with the Arkansas State Police. I'm here with Ernest. What's your last name? Ernest >> Pritchard. >> Ernest Pritchard. We're at the Bville Hospital. Uh Ernest was injured in a traffic crash today. We're talking about that. Ernest, before we get started with the details of the crash, I'd like to uh go over your Miranda rights and uh have you ever had those read to you before? >> You have? Okay. If uh what I'd like you to do is uh just follow along with me and I'm going to ask if you understand a specific right that you uh write yes or no and put your initials by it. Uh but I'll go over them verbally with you. Before we ask you any questions, you must understand your rights. Do you understand that you have the right to remit that and try to guess if you understand it? Oh, you're lucky. >> What? >> My chest. >> Okay. Here you We don't have to uh uh we don't have to do that. You just have to clearly tell me that you understand it or you don't. >> I understand. >> You understand? You have the right to remain silent. Understand? >> Okay. Do you understand that anything you say you can and will begin be used against you in court? >> I understand. >> Okay. Do you understand that you have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions and to have him with you during questioning? >> I understand. >> Okay. Do you understand is if you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish at no cost to you. Basically mean if you can't afford a lawyer, the court will appoint you one. >> I could afford a lawyer. I have a lawyer, but I don't have a phone. I don't have no numbers or nothing like that. >> Okay. Do you understand that right though? That's all I'm asking. Okay. >> Do you understand if you decide to answer any questions now without a lawyer present, you will still have the right to stop answering at any time. You also have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney. Do you understand that? I do. >> Okay, great. Having read the statement of your rights and understanding your rights, are you willing to make a statement and answer questions? Uh, understanding what you're doing, no promises or threats have been been made to you. No pressure or cordion of any kind have been used against you. Would you be willing, do you understand that? And would you be willing to talk to me? >> What are we talking about? your crash you had. >> I still trying to remember what the hell happened. >> Okay. Well, I appreciate that. Where did I say today's date was? The 14th. Could I get you to sign that as a witness, too, sir? right there under mine. So what happened, man? >> Where you from? Let's start from man. >> What are you doing in B Arkansas? I remember this [ __ ] start to get a cash. >> Oh yeah. So he said, "Man, I ain't from here. I'm from out of town. Yo, you got to take him from to catch a check." So he ain't thinking nothing. >> This old man. >> Yeah. >> Where do you meet him at? >> At the [ __ ] store, Little Rock >> and he Why boozled? There's got to be 100 banks in Little Rock. >> Cuz he told us that's where you from. >> Oh, I see. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> He said, you know what I'm saying? I think we don't know nothing about nothing, man. All I know is I wake up from the power flip though. >> Yeah. >> And I was damn it burnt up in it. >> Yeah. What? >> My brand new China I just brought yesterday. >> Yeah. Were you driving it? >> No. >> Who's driving >> that? I don't even [ __ ] remember. I just >> Come on, man. >> I know. I just flew out the damn passenger seat for sure. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Gas in my arm, brakes in my my re my t. >> Was there anybody else in the car with you? Yeah, it was me, my brother, and the old man. >> Your brother? >> Who's your brother? >> Devonte D. >> Yeah. Was he driving? Was the old man driving? >> I think I don't know. Him and the old man switched at the gas station. I think they switched at the gas station. >> What gas station? >> The one that they stopped for pulling us overhead. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Why didn't Why didn't it stop when they tried to pull you over to the gas station? >> Who? Me >> or whoever was driving. Did you see a Did you see a fro? Did you see a toe? You see gold in the driver's seat? >> Did I see what >> gold teeth or fro or >> I wasn't there, man. I'm asking you. That's If I was there, I wouldn't have to ask you what happened. >> I'm hurt right now, man. Every trying to get you upset on me. I'm hurt. >> Okay. >> I'm just telling you what I know, man. Tell you telling you exactly what I can tell you. >> But you say you weren't driving? >> No. How long you had that car? >> Since yesterday. >> Yeah. You get a brand new car and you ain't driving it? >> I ain't got no license. >> How'd you buy a car without a license? >> Just ain't got no insurance. >> All right. So, you think that who was driving before he got to the gas station? That's remember, man. [ __ ] All I can remember. All I can remember was >> so about the bank. >> Okay. So, y'all met this old old man in Little Rock. >> Yeah. >> And he asked you to drive him to to Boomville, Arkansas to catch a check, say he from here. >> Yeah. Okay. Uh did he offer you any money? >> He to put some gas in the car. And so you how long did it take y'all to get here? >> Like 2 hours. So you ain't doing nothing. So [ __ ] road trip. >> Okay. Did y'all stop anywhere on the way? You sure? >> Cuz my partner's already talked to Devonte and the old man. >> What they say? >> Well, I'm trying to see if your story matches their story. >> Literally, stop it. I man, I'll tell you, I can't freaking >> What about this girl's house y'all stopped at? >> Which one? >> Well, how many girls houses did you stop at today on the way? >> Stopped at one. >> Okay. What'd you do there? >> I don't remember. >> Uh-huh. Well, why'd you stop there? >> I wasn't driving. >> So, you weren't driving your car all day? >> No. So you going to tell me the truth about anything, >> man? If you I know the police got police cameras. >> Yeah. So, >> okay. When I when the conflict over and [ __ ] >> Uh-huh. >> I'm the first to come out. If you the first to come out, anyone here, you drive ahead here. >> The first to come out is the pass. The last come out is uh the back seat. That's exactly common sense, man. What? Where did you meet this old man at in Little Rock that you brought out here? How'd you know doing it? >> [ __ ] man. I really didn't know him. My brother had the dick and stuff. He chopped it up. >> All right. You got anything you want to add? >> All right. >> What's going on with them guys? That will conclude. Okay, >> that will conclude our interview at 522. Hey, we think No, I don't think he's that bad, but he's too bad for here. Hey, sorry. Philip called me and was asking a million questions. I guess he's on his way. Hold on. All right. No, I hope you did. Uh they're loading him right now. I still don't have a destination. >> You got somebody going in for Smith? >> Oh, also they took one of them to Fort Smith, one of the younger males, and I didn't have anybody to send with him. So I didn't know if we could call somebody to go with him or what we wanted to do with that. Yeah. Yeah. One of the boom guys went one of the one of the guys the boom is one headed to Fort Smith right now. Where are we going? >> Uh, we're thinking about Fort Smith, but we have to check with Tom first, but to see if they've got neuro coverage, but if not, uh, either watch regional or US. I know I just gave you three different options. I'll work on it. Hey, so is he is he stable now? >> Is he stable now? >> Is he? >> Do I have any reason to worry about anything? Yeah. Yeah. Heat. It's Tuesday, May 14th, 2020, 4:13 p.m. Special Agent Josh with the Arkansas State Police. >> Is this you? >> What's your name? Monte, I didn't want to say it wrong. >> French Irish. >> Is it French or is it Irish? >> T is. >> Okay. >> All right. So, what what you how you like to call it, Devonte or Devonte? >> I'll call it. >> As fancy as you want me to say it, I'll say it. All right. Devonte. I'm special agent with the Arkansas State Police. My name's Josh and I'm sure you watch a lot of crime TV and CSI and all that stuff. >> All right. Well, before anybody talks to you, you got to read your rights. That's what I'm going to do. Lend an ear and just give me a verbal response. Yes or no? All right. Before I ask you any question, you must understand your rights. You understand that? >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. You understand you have the right to remain silent? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. You understand anything you say can will be used against you in court? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. You understand that she has the right to talk to lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions to have him with you during question? >> Yes sir. >> Okay. Do you understand that if you not afford a lawyer won't be appointed to you for any question if you wish at no cost to you? >> Yes sir. >> Okay. Do you understand if you decide to answer questions now without a lawyer presence you will have the right to stop answering anytime. You also have the right to stop answering anytime until you talk an attorney. You understand that? >> Okay. I have written the statement my rights and understand what my rights are. I am willing to make a statement answer questions. I understand what I'm doing. No promises threats been made to me. No pressure anytime been used against me. Do you understand that? >> Okay. See you signature that I read all those to you and yeses were your responses right there. >> What's all banged up on you? >> How's your leg? I heard you saying something about your leg. >> You was out here. >> Yeah, I was out there. Where are you from? >> What part? Gang bang. >> Do what? The whole thing. >> I said I don't gang bang. >> Do what? >> I don't gang bang. >> I said the whole thing or where? I said where you from? >> You said where I'm from. But I grew up in the west side. >> Oh, okay. No, that's what everybody's got. Norths, Southoutheast, West Little Rock. Every time they talk about it, it uh I do a little housekeeping right here real quick. Okay. >> There's somebody right there. >> Hi. Sorry. They ordered a bunch of cat scans on him. I need to take him to get his scans done. >> Can I have about 3 minutes with you? >> Sure. Get him out of here. >> We got to speed this up. Vonte. Yes, sir. >> All right, brother. >> Tell me how you ended up in Logan County, Arkansas today. >> Nah, just riding. My uh brother just got that car. >> Who's your brother? >> Uh E. >> E. >> Yeah, but we ain't really brothers. He my friend. >> I got you. >> You know what I'm saying? >> What kind of car was it? I wasn't down there. So, >> you didn't see the burn cup? >> No, I'm up here in Fort Smith. They called me to come visit with you, bro. >> This is in the Challenger. >> What color is it? >> Red. >> Pretty speedy. >> Yeah. >> The RT. >> Yeah. >> Hellcat or Scat Pack. >> It's RT. >> So, what why' you holding C? >> Just driving. >> Okay. >> Just driving. >> Yeah. >> And >> just driving like really. Well, I don't know about dude, but I really was good just riding with him. >> Yeah. >> And then [ __ ] trying to find some females. You know what I'm saying? >> You come from Little Rock, Arkansas, and you drove to Boomville, Arkansas to find some women. >> Yeah, man. If I had my phone, I'll show you the Facebook picture that I was going to see. >> Okay. Well, the thing that don't kind >> I'm trying to >> I know. The thing that don't kind of match your me. >> Who's the old man? >> Hey, I don't know. Listen, I'm going be honest with you, man. Like, >> he there to help you get women or >> Nah, the old man [ __ ] his ass. Um, >> where'd you find him? >> He's He was just at that gas station right there. >> Which one? >> Uh, what the VP? >> I don't know. I'm not in Bville. It was at the VP. He was like, "Shit, man. Somebody brought me out here. [ __ ] left me." >> All right. Now, let's back up and quit bullshitting each other real quick. He's from Little Rock. >> Yeah, I don't know him. He's from Little Rock, but still he say he got out there. >> Well, he had a different story than what His story started off completely different than what you just told me. >> Yeah. >> What's true? >> I don't know how you got out there. >> Lord, what you got? >> I ain't You play >> I just told you like >> you ever play cards? I ain't going to show y'all my cars. I know what he told me and his is believable. Yours started out way wrong. >> Well, cuz I told you we was just riding. >> No, that he that he was in Boomville, Arkansas. >> He was >> I figured he knows where he was at this morning. >> He knew where he was at this morning. >> Yeah. And it it wasn't in Boomville. That's not where he started. >> See, cuz somebody picked him up and took him out there. >> Well, was that your car or your buddies? >> That's not my car. >> It's not your car? No. All right. >> Well, well, obviously y'all crashed, >> man. Did you see it? >> No, I hadn't seen it yet. >> Where's everybody sitting at the car in the crash? Where's Where's the old man at in the car when y'all crashed? >> He in the passenger seat. >> And which which passenger seat? >> Right here. >> Okay. >> I'm sitting behind him. >> Okay. >> That's why my damn my dang foot like, bro, the foot my foot got stuck under the back seat. >> Okay. >> So, uh the police he was just pointing his gun and [ __ ] So I tried to hurry up and get out the back seat and then when I on my way out trying to tweak that [ __ ] again. >> I got you. Who's driving then? >> My brother. >> What's his name? >> Yeah. >> What's his whole name? >> Ernest. >> Ernest. Okay. So you're just hanging out in the back. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> It look pretty banged up. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It looks pretty stand up. I needed that. >> So, y'all drive the boneful for what reasons? >> Okay. Well, I don't I don't uh quite believe any of that. So, you got anything else you want to tell me? Cuz we we know why the police were behind you. We know all that stuff. It just I come in here to see if you're a suspect in this or a victim. >> What you think I ain't a suspect or >> It's more looking like that. But you said I mean you're straight lying to me. >> Well, I'm telling you the truth. >> I y'all be doing what I believe was if we tell you the truth, you wouldn't even know. >> No, what he told me. I believe >> his his matches >> all day. Put him right to where he's at. Matches what we already know. Yours just started out wrong. I just gave you the same opportunity to tell me to start the You started the day out wrong. >> I did. >> Yeah. >> When I was When was my day out? >> I don't believe he was standing at the gas station in Bo, Arkansas since how we got uh video from the gas station. >> That's where I'm at. So that I mean you're somewhere else sitting in the car different talking to him. His story is believable. It's really believable. I don't I ain't buying yours. So, if you want backup start from the truth, we can I'll sit here and visit with you a little bit. But other than that, I I'm going to get on down the road. >> I just want the truth, man. >> There's three people in the car and there's three sides to the story. >> Two young good-looking dudes riding around 60 year old man that just picked up at the gas station. >> Pick them up at the gas station. >> What you just told me walk over? You said stand outside the gas station there. >> He said he got left down there. >> But you just said you stand in front of the gas station. Y'all found him. >> That's what we found him. He said he got left. >> That's what And that's what I just said. >> Yeah. >> Y'all drove. Y'all drove down there. Two dudes and then looking for women and pick up a 60-y old man. >> Looking for no women. We got I said if I had my Facebook room if I had my Facebook, I'll show you the women that was coming down to see. We actually was going past. >> I know. I get that part. But I'm saying if that was what's been on my mind instead of picking up half >> I came to the car and like hey man let me you know what I'm saying [ __ ] left me out here on the phone I'm trying to get back to the house. >> Okay. So when you stopped at the bank what was that all about? >> I ain't stopp at no bank. >> All right then man. >> Well go so you tell me when you was at the when you was at that lane at the gas station next thing you go to >> I'm not the only trooper in this whole state that's down. >> Excuse me sir. I ain't go to no man. >> All right then. [laughter] All right, then we'll conclude our interview at 4:22. >> Tuesday, June 14th, 2022. It's 3:54 p.m. Phillip. Is that right? >> Yes, sir. >> What's your whole name? >> Philip Stanley Welch. Philip Stanley Welch. I'm Josh Arnold. I'm a special agent with the Arkansas State Police. >> Mhm. >> And just kind of here to one get you information, figure out who you are, officers involved in a crash. >> Mhm. >> Okay. But I'm sure you've watched TV a lot. And before we usually end that business with everybody, we read them their rights. Don't mean that you're in trouble or going to jail or anything like that. >> Uh before I ask you any question, you must understand your rights. Do you understand that? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. You understand you have the right to remain silent? >> Yes. >> All right. Yes. You understand? >> Yes, I >> Okay. Do you understand anything you say can and will be used against you in court? >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Do you understand that you have the rights to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions to have you with you during questioning? You understand that? >> Okay. You understand if you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed uh for you before any questioning if you wish at no cost to you. You understand that? >> Okay. Do you understand that if you decide to answer questions with now without a lawyer, you may stop at any time? You have the right to stop at any time. Uh, you also have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney. You understand that? >> Yes. >> Okay. [clears throat] Now, at the bottom of it's a waiver of rights. And obviously, you can't sign anything right now, can you? Is that correct? Can't hardly write. >> Can you can you write? Yeah. >> Cuz I have read the statement of rights and understand what my rights are. I'm willing to make a statement and answer questions. Understand that and know what I'm doing. No promises or threats have been made to me. No pressure, coercion of any kind has been used against me. Okay. >> Okay. Now, for these responses, if you can write yes, that's what you that's what you answer. Can you do that? >> Okay, let's see. >> You this all the questions that I ask you are labeled right here 1 through five. >> I'll I can write your response if you just want to sign right here that I read these to you. >> I understand. All right. Sign my name right here underneath yours. >> Okay. >> Oh, how old are you, Phil? >> I'll be uh I'll be 62 on a Saturday. >> 62. Where are you from? >> I'm from southwest double side. Little town called Emmit. You probably know heard >> where at Emit, Arkansas. >> Emit Arkansas. You're right. >> It's right near Hope. >> Oh, yeah. You're exactly right. I've never heard Oh, the Southwest. Yeah, I got you. >> Well, what the world led you to Fort Smith, Arkansas today or this part of the wrong the wrong damn crowd, man. Wrong two people. Yeah. >> Well, let's let's just back her up to this morning. How'd you find your way into Logan County today? Well, >> yeah. >> Was guys, >> who are the How many were in the car? >> Just two of them. >> Just two of them. And you, right? Mhm. >> Okay. Who are them other two guys? >> I just met them this morning. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. I never didn't get their name. >> Where they pick you up at? >> Downtown Little Rock. >> Where at? Where you stay at down there? >> I said they ain't North Little Rock, but I was at the uh plasma center in Little Rock. >> Oh, you getting get some money? >> Yeah. They picked me up at D plasma. Well, Philip, I've been honest with you so far, so be honest with me. And I know you seem like a pretty sharp guy, and there's not going to get in a car with two people that you have no idea. >> I I did, though, honestly, I did this [ __ ] >> Okay. >> I sure did. >> Where were you going? >> I was with them. Well, I didn't know we coming for Smith, though. >> Okay. Where all have you been today then? >> That's about it. I was lost. I didn't No. Well, none of us around. >> You stop anywhere? >> Stop. >> Phil, I want you to understand this. Okay. >> They apparently were up to no good. >> Yeah. I'm not. >> So, are you a witness in this thing or are you a suspect in it? >> I got to be a witness cuz I >> Well, a witness sees they see stuff and you were with them. What places you stopped and where you been? Yeah. >> So, let's get to being telling each other the truth. >> Okay. >> Okay. Let's start over. >> Okay. Matter of fact, we stopped and got something to eat. Well, I already had my food and then stop. >> You already ate this morning? >> Yeah, I tried to. But >> what time? >> No, I didn't. I didn't eat this morning. >> You didn't eat this morning? What time did you leave Little Rock this morning? >> Let's see. I got that sooner than uh I want to say about 8 something. >> Okay. >> About 9:30, something like that. >> Well, I'm sure there was some chattering going on in that vehicle. Where y'all going? >> They had this chick. They made like it was so legit. You know, it was made out to me. >> Do what now? >> A chick. >> Who had the check? >> They did. >> They did. >> Yeah. And they say it was some kind of legit building, but I should have known better. Cuz if it was, they would they would, you know, tried to put in my name. >> So they wanted to write the check in your name. >> They did write it in my name. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> And they said they don't have ideas. I'm just dumb on my part. >> Well, who is the check on? Who's you know who check belong to? They wrote your I understand they wrote your name on it, but >> Mhm. >> who check belong to? It was they had a company name like a payroll check. >> A payroll check. Okay. >> I can't remember the name. >> What did y'all do with it? >> Oh, I think they kept it over at the bank. >> Well, I don't know. What? I don't know where you're at. I'm in Fort Smith up here. What? What? Where'd you go? Why did you decide to go all the way to Logan County? >> I don't know, man. That's something they come up with. >> Okay. >> How much was the check for? >> $4,000. >> $4,000? >> What bank did you go to? I don't know, man. It's just a big old gray bank. I don't know if we just in Logan County or what. >> Okay. Well, >> they want two of where the police start chasing that area. >> Okay. So, you pull into the bank. What's the plan? What are you going to do? >> I'm cashing check. >> Are you going in? >> Yes, I'm going in. >> Cuz you got an ID, right? >> Right. Mhm. >> Okay. Well, what happened in there? >> They wouldn't go. They didn't cash it. >> Okay. And I was bad at that too. But I said you look dumb on me. I should Something kept telling me don't do that [ __ ] >> Yeah. The better judgment not sink in. >> Yeah. Sink in. >> Okay. Then what happened after they wouldn't take cash the check? What? What happened? >> I just came back and told them they kept that check and they would they wouldn't go for that. >> Okay. >> I mean when got there, we started pulling out. >> Who's where are you sitting at in the car? I was in the back seat. >> You're in the back seat? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Who's driving the car? >> One of them One is a young guy. Which one? You know that >> I think he's the shorter one. >> The short one. >> The shorter one. Yep. >> Okay. Uh >> yeah, that's him. That's him. >> That's the driver. >> Mhm. You got the other one. >> What's his name? >> I feel it now. >> I'm serious, man. I am >> Okay. They got a street name. What are you calling them? >> I ain't calling them nothing. I didn't even know them guys. I promise you, man. That didn't I'm a damn Oh, there's a gang car driving down. >> That's That's evident. >> So, where are you sitting at in the car? >> We're sitting in the back seat. >> Back. What side? >> Oh, no. Pass the black passenger. >> What kind of car are y'all in? I don't even know this. So, tell me what kind of car you see. Challenger or Char. >> Pretty speedy car. >> Yeah, >> pretty speedy. >> Yeah. >> All right. So you go back, you get >> you get in the passenger seat of the car, right? >> Yeah. Back seat >> and then y'all take off. What happens? >> After I came back without the check. >> Yeah. >> He started pulling it out and that's when the that's when the police got behind starts. >> Then what happens? >> He wrecked, man. Almost killed us. >> He wrecked. >> Yeah. >> What were they saying when the police were behind him? At first he looked over at his friend say hit it. I'm like, "Oh, Lord." >> The passenger say that or the driver say that? >> Driver said, "Hit it." >> Hit it. >> The passenger said, "Yeah, hit it." >> And he hit it. >> They all y'all were moving. >> Well, we were rolling, man. We didn't get messed up real bad. >> You got a pretty good knot on your head. Holding it rather. >> No. Ugly enough. >> So, who hashed this scheme this morning? because >> they had this. >> I mean, they didn't just come back. >> I don't think that's the first time they did that on. Let me roll this back to you and tell it to you just like you told me. >> Okay. >> You're standing outside the plasma center in Little Rock, Arkansas, and two dudes you don't never seen before in your life pull up, say, "Hey, let me get this old man, put him in a car, and drive him to Booneville, Arkansas of all places, and write his name on a check >> and cash it." >> You hence there's a little bit of [ __ ] in that that we probably need to clarify. >> No, that's that's guy, too. Papey, I'm serious. I had never saw these two guys before in my life. >> What you What were you done to think drove you down the road just killed you? I mean, you don't know him. >> I know. I thought about all that. >> Yeah, I'm just dumb, man. >> I think you know just a touch for >> I promise you, man. I don't I'm got Well, I was actually sitting out finish donating plasma. I was sitting in front of the uh >> Well, how much money do they promise you out of this thing? Uh, I don't know. I didn't see it all. >> There had to been some >> few hundred. >> Few hundred. Uhhuh. >> Yeah. I was sitting out there. I finished donating and I was sitting out there in front of Papa minding my own business. I promise you. It ain't cool. You want >> I know. But >> you want to make some money, you know. >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> I'm going to give you a technical shot real quick. >> Phillip. >> Mhm. >> All right. I believe some of what you're telling me is not all. >> You got to believe there cuz this the truth I >> Okay. >> You need that tetanis shot. >> Yeah. Okay. >> You got a pretty good hole. >> No, that's the truth, man. Say your name is >> Josh Har. >> Josh. >> Yeah. Everything I see it happen like I've been trying to stretch you. >> I know. But here's here's going to be the thing. And I know it already cuz I've been doing this for just a minute. I'm going to go in here and talk to these other two cats and they're going to put it right here in the at the middle of your chest. >> Your name was on the check. You you asked them to drive you somewhere to cash that check. >> I don't know nothing about that. You You think they going to do that? >> Yeah. I do. >> Yeah. >> So, I mean, I I've just been doing this long enough that I know how people do each other. >> Everybody in the car gets to point that finger across the car, >> right? you know, so I was just hoping that you knew them a little bit better. >> No, I don't. No, I sure don't. >> I don't know doing that type of stuff. >> Really? >> No, man. >> You ever been arrested for anything like this? >> No. >> Okay. Did the lady ask you any questions in the bank? I assume it was a >> Yeah, she was asking question. >> She was asking me uh well, she wasn't really asking me curse, but she was looking over asking somebody else. >> She called about the company. You think so? >> Yeah. Did >> you get a bad feeling when you were in there? >> Yeah, I think so. Yeah. >> Bobby, did you get a bad feeling? >> I got a bad feeling, man. I was shaking like a no, man. I said, "Dang, I just should have just walked out of there, but I didn't realize I was that far from home. Yeah, he was pretty good ways from home. >> Damn. How in the hell am I supposed to get home? You >> guess call your mother and get on a gray dog and ride it back home. >> I'm on the way Emtt off the south end. >> Yeah. Well, you're closer to EMTT than you probably was in Little Rockville, ain't she? Go. Can't you look it south from here? >> I don't think so. >> Probably been quicker to go down 30 though, wouldn't it? >> Yeah. >> Phil, >> what company was that check from? Okay. I remember >> what other what else was y'all going to get into when y'all was up here? >> Okay. Nothing. Nothing else. >> What was What was the next plan? I mean, if you cash a check north for me, >> they probably they probably just going to kick you out. >> Think they will damn me like that? >> I don't know if you're telling me the truth. I'm trying to believe you, but some of it's a little fuzzy. >> No, that's the truth. That's the gospel truth. Everything I said is truth. where they pick me up. >> But they just picked some random old man standing in front of the plasma center. >> Going to make some money. >> Going to make some money. >> That's what they say. Actually, >> I didn't know they put a scam like that. >> Yeah. >> They talking about how legit it was, but I knew something. It could have been, you know, cuz you went you would had to put in my name. I don't know where it came from. They made some phone calls. >> They know your name. You don't know what you calling them. You done got my ID? They had my ID. >> Why' they get your ID? >> They took a picture of it. >> Why' they get out your pocket? >> I gave I handed it to them. >> Did you? Okay, let's just let's shoot each other straight here. When they come up with this idea like you said they did. >> Did it just sound like a good way to make a little bit of money? So, >> bit of money, man. >> And you didn't really care. >> I curve. >> I know. But, you know, it just just one of them things, man. Didn't make no money today. No, you got a heck of a doctor bill, too. >> Oh, [ __ ] >> Did you ride the helicopter or did you ride the >> I don't know. I was about out of it. >> I think you might have rode a helicopter in here. >> I could not I can't pay that bill. >> Okay. >> What else do you want to tell me that I didn't ask you? So, anything about this that that felt wrong from the get-go? >> It felt wrong from the get-go. and got my ID and took that picture. >> Yeah. >> And then see where do we go? >> I'm just lost up here. I don't know too many people. But we went somewhere and a check was the check. >> A check. They went and picked the check up. >> Who' they pick a check up from? >> Good question. >> I mean, >> I couldn't go back there to save my neck. >> But what town? I don't know, man. I would just ride. >> Did they pick it up right after they picked you up or did y'all >> not long after? >> Did y'all ride for an hour or I mean >> probably did about an hour or so. Okay. >> You being 60 years old, I'm sure you know what Interstate 40 is. Highway 10 and all that. What way did y'all go? >> Yeah, we came down I know we came down 6:30. >> That's downtown. So, they picked you up downtown. So, you come down 6:30. We got that. >> You get 4:30 and go north. Yeah, I think we got remember saying get on 4:30. >> I mean then what you get on 40? Did you get off Highway 10? >> No, I'm trying to get off on 10. Like I said, I don't know. You >> been drinking today? I had one be early this morning about early this morning. >> Smoking any weed? >> No. >> Taking any pills? >> I don't smoke weed. I don't check me in my squad. >> What? >> But I mean, so you >> I drink though. >> Yeah. But you ain't been driving around drinking beer or nothing today. >> No, no, I don't have a beer. >> You've been riding with them boys all day. >> Yeah, but they they have no beer. >> You didn't have no cold beer back there. Went back to Pipple when they stood. >> You get spilled all over the police, man. I couldn't even drink it. I was so nervous taking it so bad. >> Ah. >> So, we're going to leave that. That's your side of the story. I said it, man. They can say what they want, but they out there. I know they probably going to lie on me. Look, I didn't I don't know nothing about doing that type of stuff. Well, I'm going get a chick. >> Well, you learned a little bit today about it, didn't you? >> Yeah, I learned not to do that. Nothing more ever. >> All right. >> Everm It wasn't good at all, was it? Just >> saying that fast money, Philip. Yeah. >> All right, we're going to conclude our interview at 411. All right.