FAYETTEVILLE -- A man who led police on a high-speed chase through several residential neighborhoods in Springdale and shot into the awning of a taqueria, among other charges, pleaded guilty to a laundry list of felonies in Washington County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
George A. Clark-Torres, 27, pleaded guilty to committing a terroristic act, fleeing, possession of a defaced firearm, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, simultaneous possession of guns and drugs, engaging in an on-going criminal enterprise, residential burglary, aggravated assault, theft of property and terroristic threatening.
He was sentenced to 40 years at the Arkansas Department of Correction with 25 years suspended. The sentences for the various charges are to run concurrently.
Prosecutors said Clark-Torres, of Lowell, had a verbal altercation with two men outside a taqueria, pulled a gun and shot into the air, hitting the awning. The incident was thought to be gang-related.
In another incident, Springdale police tried to stop Clark-Torres after finding him asleep or passed out in a turn lane at Pleasant Street and Huntsville Avenue.
Police pursued Torres-Clark by car for nearly 5 miles on city and residential streets, according to a news release. He ran several red lights, exceeded 90 mph on city streets and exceeded 60 mph through residential areas.
Torres-Clark eventually stopped and ran from the vehicle. Police used a stun gun to stop him. The foot chase lasted 5 minutes.
Police found methamphetamine, marijuana and a loaded handgun in the vehicle.
Both incidents happened in 2014. Clark-Torres has been in jail since December 2014.
NW News on 04/28/2016