Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — May 28, 2025 — Police said an attempt to stop a Jonesboro man over insurance issues quickly escalated into a vehicle and foot chase, culminating in his arrest and over a hundred grams of drugs being found.
On May 27, a Jonesboro police officer attempted to stop a vehicle near Woodrow Street and Third Street after a run of its license plate confirmed the owner had “unconfirmed insurance.” According to the probable cause affidavit, the driver, 48-year-old Rayford Antonio Pryor, drove off at a high rate of speed before slowing down and speeding up again.
Pryor began swerving from the right lane to the left shoulder before stopping the vehicle, getting out, and running away, the affidavit said. The officer went after Pryor, leading to a barn in the woods. There, Pryor slowed down while looking back at the officer and lowered his arms to the ground before continuing to run. He was eventually caught and taken into custody.
The affidavit stated that another officer went back to the area where Pryor lowered his arms and found a bag containing 140 grams of meth. Another bag containing three grams of marijuana was also found on Pryor himself. Officers attempted to find valid insurance on the vehicle but were unsuccessful.
On May 28, Circuit Judge Barbara Halsey found probable cause to charge Pryor with possession of meth or cocaine with the purpose to deliver greater than 10 grams but less than 200 grams, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a Schedule VI substance less than four ounces, fleeing, and no proof of liability insurance.
In addition to a $100,000 cash/surety, Pryor will have to wear an ankle monitor upon release.
Pryor is being held in the Craighead County Detention Center, awaiting his next court appearance scheduled for June 27.
