Members of the narcotics and vice division of the Fort Smith Police Department were involved in undercover operations involving the distribution of methamphetamine on Friday night that resulted in the arrest of three people.
Investigators learned a man identified as Larry Dale Batt, 34, may have been involved in drug sales, but also discovered he was a fugitive wanted by U.S. Marshals.
Investigators located Batt at an apartment complex located at 4801 Rogers Avenue. As investigators attempted to take him into custody, Batt got into his vehicle and quickly accelerated towards officers.
The officers were able to avoid being struck, but Batt did collide with an undercover police vehicle. Batt fled through the parking lot and collided with a patrol officer’s vehicle as he shielded the path of a woman in an electric wheel chair.
Batt fled westbound on Rogers Avenue, and officers discontinued a vehicle pursuit with him after a short time. Batt’s vehicle was found abandoned in the 3000 block of Boston Avenue and was seized.
Investigators received information that Batt may had fled to a residence in the 8300 block of Colony Lane. Police conducted surveillance on the home and stopped a vehicle they witnessed leave the residence.
The driver was identified as 28-year-old Tiffany Roberts and as Batt’s girlfriend. She was arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants. They were also able to confirm Larry Batt was inside the residence.
Investigators determined the person living in the home on Colony Lane was on parole. With the assistance of parole officers, police entered the home and found Batt and another female inside.
Both were taken into custody.
Batt was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on the charges of three counts of Aggravated Assault and outstanding Federal warrants.
It is possible additional charges may be added at a later time.
