A Melbourne man will spend more than 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2024 high-speed chase that seriously injured an Izard County chief deputy, prosecutors said.
On Tuesday, 29-year-old Zachoria O. Henry pleaded guilty to first-degree battery of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty, a Class Y felony, as well as fleeing and aggravated assault. Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Tim Weaver sentenced Henry to 330 months in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, giving him credit for 398 days served.
Weaver also ordered Henry to pay court costs and $33,453.48 in restitution to AAC Risk Management Services and Izard County, to be paid in $100 monthly installments.
The charges stemmed from a Sept. 30, 2024, pursuit that began after deputies received reports of criminal mischief and assault involving a black Chevrolet truck. Investigators said Henry led deputies on a high-speed chase through several communities before colliding with Chief Deputy Steve Davidson’s patrol vehicle on Barren Fork Road near Mount Pleasant.
The crash threw Davidson from his vehicle, causing serious but non-life-threatening leg and foot injuries that required multiple surgeries. Henry fled on foot but was captured shortly afterward.
The Arkansas State Police investigated the incident.
Image: Izard County Sheriff’s Office
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on
93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
