This post was updated 3/14/26 to name the deceased.
HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas — Two people died at the hands of a fleeing motorist being chased by police Thursday evening, March 12, 2026.
Authorities identified the deceased as Patricia Minga, 73, of Jonesboro, and Kathryn White, 78, of Hot Springs.
The Hot Springs Police Department said in a news release that officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Cleveland and White streets, but a pursuit ensued when the driver — identified as Lee Amos Smith, 50, of Hot Springs — fled the scene.
The car chase started at about 6:06 p.m., and three minutes later Smith reportedly plowed into another vehicle at Hobson Avenue at 5th Street. Smith then fled the scene on foot, and after a brief foot pursuit was taken into custody at 4th Street and South Avenue.
The vehicle accident resulted in the death of two people and injuries to two others who were transported to local hospitals for treatment, the press release said.
Smith is being charged with two counts of manslaughter, two counts of third-degree battery, fleeing, leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death, theft by receiving, and three counts of second-degree criminal mischief.
Arkansas State Police will be investigating the vehicle accident investigation.
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