On Saturday, at 6:12 p.m., a 25-year-old Fort Smith man died as a result of injuries he sustained in a wreck following a high-speed pursuit that began on Towson Avenue in Fort Smith.
Calvin Eubanks, 25, of Fort Smith was a passenger in the suspect’s vehicle, a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect driver, later identified as Kevin Swafford, 23, of Paris, Ark., ran a red light while traveling at a high rate of speed, prompting a collision involving three other vehicles at the intersection of Zero and 31st streets.
When the wreck occurred, Swafford was fleeing from an ASP Trooper who attempted to stop him because his vehicle didn’t have a license plate. During the pursuit, Swafford disregarded multiple traffic lights while travelling at a high rate of speed in heavy traffic.
Swafford and Eubanks were both ejected in the wreck. Swafford is being held without bond at Sebastian County Detention Center on felony Fleeing charges after being treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. He was also an absconder fro parole, which triggered a parole violation.
Additional charges are pending.
“The suspect was driving recklessly and putting the public in extreme danger. The citizens of Fort Smith should be able to enjoy a safe Saturday evening,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “Although we regret any loss of life, we thank God other motorists were not seriously injured.”
The drivers of a Toyota 4-Runner and a 2022 Kia Soul involved in the wreck were not injured. The 17-year-old driver of a 2020 Hyundai Genesis was transported to Mercy for treatment of minor injuries.
Hagar reiterated the message he’s been emphasizing in a public service campaign launched a year ago to combat fleeing from law enforcement.
“Fleeing from police is a selfish act that puts innocent motorists at risk and has grave consequences,” he said. “ASP Troopers will always put the safety of innocent civilians first. Fleeing from law enforcement is dangerous.”
The Fort Smith Police Department is investigating the wreck, and ASP is conducting an internal review of the pursuit. The deceased will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the manner and cause of death.
