One in custody, one at large: You win some, you lose some…

Police see mixed results in pair of recent pursuits

By Don Wilburn

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Pursuing criminals who do not want to go to jail (or back to jail in some cases) is all part of the job for an agent of law enforcement.

In a recent pair of police chases in West Memphis, one suspect found themselves on the wrong side of the law and the other on the “right side of the bridge.”

The first chase occurred on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at around 9 p.m. when Trooper Dylan Evans received information that the West Memphis Police Department was pursuing a gold Kia Sorento with a license plate number of ALB58W. The Sorento was seen traveling at high speeds on Missouri Street and then onto the East Service Road before entering Interstate 40.

Despite efforts to stop the vehicle obstructed by traffic, the chase reached speeds of over 120 miles per hour before Trooper Evans had to terminate the pursuit at the Tennessee state line.

The second not-so-lucky suspect, identified as Nicholas Papachristou from Jonesboro, Arkansas, was involved in a chase on June 6, 2024, at approximately 11:29 p.m.. Arkansas State Trooper Donnie Cheers observed Papachristou's beige Cadillac SUV traveling at 86 mph in a 65 mph zone on Interstate 40.

After initiating a stop, Papachristou initially complied but then sped off as Trooper Cheers approached the vehicle.

A pursuit ensued, with Papachristou driving recklessly and even attempting to throw items out of the vehicle. Multiple attempts to stop the SUV were made with three separate TVIs, Papachristou regained control of the vehicle each time, but eventually spun out and was brought to a halt.

During a search of the vehicle, police found various drugs and drug paraphernalia, as well as a significant amount of cash. Papachristou was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including speeding, obstructing governmental operations, reckless driving, fleeing in a vehicle, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of controlled substances. He was taken to the Crittenden County Jail, with the evidence turned over to the 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force. The total drugs and evidence found in the vehicle have been handed over for further investigation.

Papachristou has already been released on bond.

Photo courtesy of ASP