Tennessee murder suspect enters Arkansas & receives the State Police PIT MANEUVER -He yells for help

On July 31, 2026, Trooper Victor Garcia, was advised by dispatch that the Crittenden County Sheriff's Office was requesting assistance with a vehicle pursuit. Dispatch advised that the suspect vehicle was traveling northbound on Interstate 555 and that the driver had reportedly turned off the vehicle's headlights. Trp. Garcia responded to the crossover at the Poinsett County/Craighead County line, where he was able to join the pursuit. A Marion Police Department unit was directly behind the suspect vehicle as it passed his location. Trooper caught up to the suspect vehicle near the 35-mile marker and executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), which was successful. The suspect vehicle rolled over and came to a final rest upside down in a field east of the interstate. Officers began giving verbal commands to the driver, who was later identified as Lemarkius Ross, to exit the vehicle. Ross began yelling for help. Observed smoke coming from the vehicle and noticed a small fire in the engine compartment. Due to the fire and Ross's requests for assistance, officers approached the vehicle. Ross stated that he was unable to exit because he was trapped by his seat belt. While a Marion Police Department officer provided cover, Garcia used department-issued fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. Additional officers arrived on scene and assisted with removing Ross from the vehicle. Ross was placed in handcuffs without incident and secured in the rear seat of Trooper's patrol vehicle. EMS arrived on scene and evaluated Ross. Ross complained of pain in his left shoulder and left knee. When initially asked to identify himself, Ross stated that his name was Jonathan Matthew from Tennessee. Dispatch was unable to locate any records matching that identity. While enroute to the hospital, Garcia asked Ross again for his name. He then stated that his real name was Lemarkius Ross. Dispatch was able to identify Ross, and a records check revealed a murder warrant. During a search of the suspect vehicle, officers located a purple Taurus handgun, three Ziploc bags containing suspected marijuana, and one clear plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine. These items were found inside a black duffel bag within the vehicle. After leaving St. Bernard's, Ross was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center where he was charged with the following offenses: 5-54-125 Fleeing in Vehicle 27-50-308 Reckless Driving 27-16-303 Driving on Suspended License 5-73-103 Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons 5-74-106 Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms 5-64-436 Possession Schedule VI with purpose to deliver 5-64-420 Possession of Methamphetamine with purpose to deliver 5-54-102 Obstructing Governmental Operations The judge in the case noted in determining the $2 million bond, that this was Ross’ 16th arrest and considered him a danger to the public. Ross was ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor upon being bonded out. Ross’ next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 21. If convicted, the highest sentence he faces is up to life in prison.