A Viola man is facing multiple charges after deputies say he led them on a high‑speed pursuit that crossed state lines Sunday afternoon. According to a probable cause statement from the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, Corporal Jacob Hamby attempted to stop a dark‑colored passenger car on Route 142 around 1:47 p.m. after seeing it cross the center line.
The driver, identified as Dustin Lee Helton, reportedly accelerated to avoid the stop, reaching speeds of about 100 miles per hour before turning onto County Road 7130. Deputies say Helton continued south at lower speeds, eventually crossing into Fulton County, Arkansas, where the road dead‑ended at a residence on Stateline Road.
Helton surrendered after stopping in the yard of the residence. He allegedly told deputies he fled because his driver’s license is revoked and he wanted to get his vehicle home to avoid it being towed. Investigators say the car he was driving had expired Arkansas plates that belonged to a different vehicle.
Helton is charged with resisting arrest by fleeing, driving while revoked, and failure to drive on the right half of the roadway. His bond is set at $25,000.
Deputies noted in the report that Helton has fled from law enforcement in the past and does not comply with lawful orders.
