Patricia Minga, Kathryn White killed in fatal crash at Fifth Street

Stolen vehicle fleeing officers struck their Ford Ranger eastbound on Hobson Avenue

March 05, 2026 | Hot Springs, AR

Two individuals lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries following a high-speed police pursuit that ended in a collision on March 5.

Patricia Minga, 73, and Kathryn White, 78, were killed when a suspect fleeing police struck another vehicle at Hobson Avenue and 5th Street in Hot Springs.

What Happened in the Crash?

The Hot Springs Police Department reported that the sequence of the crash began around 6:03 p.m. when officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Cleveland and White Streets. The driver refused to yield, leading to a brief chase that culminated in a crash three minutes later at Hobson Avenue and 5th Street.

• Victims: Patricia Minga, 73, of Jonesboro, and Kathryn White, 78, of Hot Springs, both deceased
• Injuries: Two additional people were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment
• Suspect: The driver was apprehended shortly after and faces charges including two counts of manslaughter, two counts of third-degree battery, and three counts of second-degree criminal mischief
• Investigation: Ongoing by the Arkansas State Police

Why Do Police Pursuit Crashes Occur?

Police chases often stem from drivers failing to comply with traffic stops, escalating into dangerous situations. Authorities assess whether officers adhered to pursuit protocols to minimize risks to the public.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), police pursuits resulted in 577 fatalities across the United States in 2022. These incidents highlight the need for thorough investigations to determine contributing factors.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this, national legal analysts emphasize the importance of independent reviews to preserve evidence and support affected families.

“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and a family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney will carefully examine what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a client during this difficult time, while vigorously protecting their legal rights and best interests.”

• Hiring legal representation promptly can secure critical evidence before it deteriorates
• Independent investigations often uncover details beyond initial police reports, such as vehicle conditions or witness accounts
• Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress in wrongful death scenarios

“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”

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