Car Hits Gas Meter, Prompts Evacuation

— A car struck a natural gas meter near Eastern Avenue early Tuesday afternoon, prompting brief evacuations of nearby buildings.

James Hunter Holloway, 21, was arrested in connection with driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, violation of the Arkansas seat belt law, fleeing, driving while intoxicated, violation of implied consent, reckless driving and running a stop sign.

University of Arkansas Lt. Matt Mills said Holloway was driving a blue Toyota Solara about 60 mph in a school and residential area.

Holloway was driving east on Stone when he ran a stop sign, nearly struck a car, ran another stop sign and crashed into the gas meter at the university bus garage.

“He struck a gas meter with a 3-inch line,” Mills said. “We had to evacuate a couple homes.”

Rich Davis, manager of community and governmental affairs for Source Gas, said a business also was evacuated.

Davis said the brief evacuation was precautionary and gas never entered any buildings.

Holloway fled after the accident, but was quickly arrested by Fayetteville police.

He told officers the brakes on his girlfriend’s car went out, causing the collision, according to the report.

Holloway was already facing a driving while intoxicated charge from the university police department, according to the report.

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