BENTONVILLE — A Centerton man was released Monday from the Benton County Jail on $50,000 bond after his arrest in connection with hitting a jogger with his vehicle.

Thomas Brick Bradford, 51, was arrested Saturday in connection with battery in the second degree and aggravated assault, both Class D felonies, and first offense driving while intoxicated.

Centerton police were called at 7:08 p.m. Saturday at Sorrento Drive and Messina Way. The caller reported an accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian.

Police arrived and began to speak to a man covered in blood. The man, who was identified as Kenneth Wilson, was disoriented.

Shawn Lancaster said he saw a man jogging and then heard what sounded like children singing church music, according to court documents. Lancaster said he saw a sport utility vehicle stop, back up at 40 mph and run over the jogger.

Police officer Chuck Eggebrecht saw Bradford standing on the sidewalk next to his vehicle, a maroon Ford Explorer. The vehicle's back glass was shattered, according to court documents.

Eggebrecht said he could smell alcohol on Bradford's breath and Bradford's eyes were bloodshot and watery.

Bradford told police he drove by the jogger who he thought made an obscene gesture to the children in his vehicle. Bradford said he backed up to ask the jogger about the gesture. Bradford said he thought his son may have done something to the jogger.

Bradford said he stopped his vehicle and put it in reverse to talk with the jogger. He then heard a boom when his vehicle hit Wilson. Bradford denied seeing Wilson in his rear-view mirror, according to court documents.

Wilson suffered a broken left ankle, a concussion and several cuts and lacerations, including one requiring stitches.

Bradford wouldn't take a field sobriety test. He also refused to take a breath analyzer test at the Bentonville Police Department. Police obtained a warrant and took Bradford to Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville to get a sample of his blood.

Prosecutors haven't filed charges against Bradford. Arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. April 21 in Circuit Judge Robin Green's court.

NW News on 03/19/2014