Johnson County
Sheriff's Office
Clarksville, Arkansas
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05/06/2014

Vehicle, Foot Pursuit Ends In Arrest
Joseph Bruce, age 34 of Hawaii was arrested at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7 after a vehicle and foot pursuit involving multiple agencies. At approximately 3:40 a.m. the Johnson County 911 Dispatch Center was notified by Pope County that their units were in pursuit of a black Trailblazer westbound on I-40. The vehicle was being sought by Conway County authorities in reference to an armed robbery which occurred in Conway County. Deputies set up at the Knoxville and Lamar exits with stop-sticks. As the vehicle neared the Knoxville exit, Bruce left the interstate, drove to the top of the ramp and entered the interstate again, traveling west with Johnson and Pope County deputies following. As Bruce neared the Lamar exit, Deputy Chris Brownlow deployed stop-sticks. The Trailblazer struck the stop-sticks with the right front tire and continued west. After approximately a mile, the tire on the Trailblazer deflated completely and sparks began to fly from the rim on the pavement. The pursuit continued to Exit 58 where Clarksville P.D. officers were waiting. The Trailblazer took the exit ramp, turned onto Rogers and pulled behind McDonalds where Bruce abandoned the vehicle and ran into the woods with 4 deputies following him. Bruce would not comply with the deputy's commands and a Taser was deployed to bring him under control at which time he was placed under arrest. Bruce was armed with a short machete and was wearing gloves and a headlamp when he was arrested. He was immediately turned over to Pope County deputies. His vehicle was towed to the Johnson County Sheriff's Office impound. Law enforcement officials are searching the area near the 58 exit after a deputy reportedly saw Bruce throw an object out that he believed to be a handgun. Bruce is wanted from multiple states on numerous felony and misdemeanor charges.