Perry County pursues charges against Sen. Holland
by January 26, 2011 4:12 pm 167 views
Arkansas Sen. Bruce Holland, R-Greenwood, may face charges of fleeing, careless driving and improper passing related to a high-speed chase through Perry and Yell counties on Monday (Jan. 24).
On Jan. 24, Perry County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Byrd and the Ola Police Department stopped Holland after what Byrd said was a more than 20 mile chase with Holland reaching speeds of possibly 110 m.p.h.
Holland, driving a 2003 Nissan 350Z, was released by Byrd and the Ola officer when they learned he was a State Senator. In a Tuesday interview, Byrd said at the time he was under the impression that legislators could not be arrested or fined. However, a 2003 opinion from then Attorney General Mike Beebe said legislators may be ticketed or arrested for alleged criminal behavior.
Holland issued a statement Tuesday saying he was “truly sorry” for the incident.
“No one is above the law, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Holland’s statement concluded.
That full responsibility may include responding to charges of careless driving, improper passing and fleeing — a class A misdemeanor. The Perry County Sheriff’s Department has submitted the charges to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
Holland has not responded to several requests for comment by The City Wire.
Following is the full statement from the Perry County Sheriff’s Department.
I officially confirm that my Investigator Ray L. Byrd has charged Senator Bruce Holland in the incident which occurred on January 24, 2011 on Highway 10 West in Perry County.
Investigator Byrd has submitted the charges of Fleeing, a class A Misdemeanor, Careless Driving and Improper Passing.
This decision was made solely by Investigator Byrd who has my full support. I also commend him for taking his time in fully researching the statutes and rulings involving person of Senator Holland’s position before taking action. That decision further demonstrates Investigator Byrd’s professionalism.
I deeply regret the incident occurred but it was not by any fault of my Department or its employees. Investigator Byrd could have done one of two things, ignore it or do the right thing. Investigator Byrd chose to do his job.
I have instructed my Department not to discuss the matter further outside the Court System. The Court will determine the outcome.
Senator Holland’s Office has been notified of this decision. I have instructed him as to his need to report to my office to be formally charged.