A Benton man sought after he nearly hit a police officer with his truck last month was seen Wednesday by authorities during a pursuit, the Jefferson County sheriff's office said.
According to the sheriff's office, 28-year-old Michael Schmall was located about 4 p.m. Wednesday in a silver Chevrolet Z71 pickup near Sturgis and Dollarway roads in Pine Bluff.
Authorities attempted a traffic stop Wednesday near the 1700 block of Jefferson Parkway, which was recorded on a deputy's in-car video camera.
The sheriff's office said Schmall made a U-turn and "quickly accelerated" his truck, attempting to flee from law enforcement.
The White Hall Police Department, Redfield Police Department and Arkansas State Police assisted in a pursuit that ended with Schmall crashing his truck and fleeing on foot into a wooded area about 1 mile southwest of Gravel Pit Road, according to authorities.
A search continues in the area with on-the-ground help from police dogs with the Arkansas Department of Correction and aerial assistance from an Arkansas State Police helicopter, the sheriff's office said.
In addition to charges including aggravated assault from the Sept. 20 incident involving a police officer, the sheriff's office said Schmall now faces charges of fleeing and "a host of traffic infractions."
According to the Benton police, Schmall has a history of illicit drug use and violent crime and should not be approached if located.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call 911.