GREENWOOD -- One man died after crashing a stolen vehicle with two passengers -- including an infant -- into a traffic light pole while being chased by police Friday, according to police.
"We did not know there was a baby in the vehicle at any time until the crash," said Greenwood Police Chief Brad Hobbs.
The infant was not injured but was taken to Mercy Hospital after the accident for assessment. Cole Braxton, 30, the infant's father and other passenger, sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was also treated at the hospital.
Kelvin Willis, the driver, was declared dead at the scene.
The crash occurred at about 5:18 p.m. Friday, according to a report from State Police. Willis, 32, of Alma crashed the stolen 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe into a pole at U.S. 71 and Arkansas 45, then collided with a second vehicle, according to a Facebook post by Greenwood police. Hobbs said officers recognized the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop but Willis fled, leading to the chase.
Both Willis and Braxton were awaiting trial on various drug charges, Hobbs said. Willis had been charged with furnishing drugs to prison facilities and Braxton with possession with intent to distribute.
"We can't speculate as to why they ran, but the stolen vehicle is why we pursued," Hobbs said.
Greenwood officers had called in the Arkansas State Police to take over the pursuit as it began in Greenwood and continued into Fort Smith. The crash occurred soon after state officers took over the pursuit.