Ford Ranger struck by fleeing stolen Dodge Ram during police pursuit
March 12, 2026 | Hot Springs, AR
Two individuals sustained injuries in a collision on March 12, triggered by a suspect evading law enforcement in Hot Springs, while two others lost their lives in the incident.
Crystal Lynn Jacobs, 55, and Sheena Schenkel, 40, were injured after a fleeing suspect struck a vehicle at Hobson Avenue and Fifth Street in Hot Springs.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities reported that the sequence began when Hot Springs Police Department officers tried to halt a stolen Dodge Ram pickup, reportedly operated by Lee Amos Smith, around 6:09 p.m. near Cleveland and White Streets. The driver refused to yield, leading to a pursuit that ended with the Dodge Ram colliding with a Ford Ranger pickup driven by 55-year-old Crystal Lynn Jacobs, who was heading east on Hobson Avenue at Fifth Street.
- Date and Time: March 12, approximately 6:09 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Hobson Avenue and Fifth Street, Hot Springs, AR
- Vehicles Involved: Stolen Dodge Ram pickup, suspect vehicle, and Ford Ranger pickup, victim vehicle
- Injuries: Crystal Lynn Jacobs, driver of Ford Ranger, injured, Sheena Schenkel, 40, passenger in Dodge Ram, injured, and two unnamed passengers in the Ford Ranger, fatalities
- Response: Both injured parties were transported to CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs Hospital for medical care
- Suspect: Lee Amos Smith, driver of the stolen vehicle
Why Do Police Chase Accidents Occur?
Such incidents often stem from attempts to evade capture, escalating into high-speed pursuits that endanger public safety. According to the Federal Highway Administration, pursuits contribute to a notable portion of traffic collisions, emphasizing the need for balanced law enforcement tactics.
Crash Statistics Overview
Reckless driving behaviors, including fleeing from authorities, play a significant role in roadway fatalities. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that aggressive maneuvers account for a substantial share of severe accidents.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of U.S. traffic deaths linked to reckless driving |
33% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Annual motor vehicle crash deaths in the U.S. |
Over 40,000 |
CDC |
Contribution of speeding to fatal crashes |
29% |
Federal Highway Administration |
Legal Insights
In scenarios involving pursuits and collisions, thorough examinations are crucial to uncover contributing factors. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, underscores the importance of prompt, independent reviews.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and those affected must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” said Bond, national analyst for Newsline. “Beyond law enforcement efforts, a legal professional can scrutinize crash elements, engage witnesses, verify driver histories, identify eyewitnesses, and assess insurance options. This support helps navigate challenges while safeguarding rights and interests.”
- Independent investigations preserve vital evidence early on.
- Professional resources aid in determining liability in pursuit-related crashes.
- Legal guidance provides compassionate assistance during recovery.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, highlights potential avenues for those harmed.
“The stress following a serious injury can overwhelm every part of life, from family dynamics to financial stability,” Formica noted. “Victims should know their legal entitlements, which may cover medical costs, ongoing treatment, pain, suffering, and emotional impacts through an injury claim.”
Potential for Personal Injury Claims
Crystal Lynn Jacobs and Sheena Schenkel could explore options for compensation related to their injuries. Recoverable damages might include hospital bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs, helping to address the broad repercussions of such accidents.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).