Covington, Tenn. (WMC) – The Covington Police Department has arrested a 21-year-old man accused of reckless driving and leading officers on a high-speed chase along Highway 51. Authorities referred to the suspect, Jason Beard, as a “NASCAR wanna-be” due to his history of evading law enforcement in his red Ford Mustang.
Beard faces multiple charges, including felony evading arrest, driving on a suspended license, running a red light, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. He is currently being held at the Tipton County Jail on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
According to police, Beard was already out on bond for a prior reckless driving arrest in Haywood County when he was apprehended again late Saturday night. Officers reportedly observed Beard driving erratically on Highway 51, attempting to drag race another vehicle. When officers tried to pull him over, Beard refused to stop, turned off his car’s lights, and led authorities on a chase into Lauderdale County. During the pursuit, an off-duty deputy with the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office reported that Beard’s car nearly collided with his vehicle.
The chase ended when Beard crashed near Highway 51 and Asbury Lane in Ripley, Tennessee, and fled into a wooded area. Covington police deployed K9 Officer “Arko,” who successfully located Beard hiding in the tree line. He was taken into custody without further incident.
A search of Beard’s Mustang revealed an American Tactical AR pistol, a Tactical PX9 handgun, four loaded magazines, and 5.7 grams of marijuana. Police also confirmed Beard’s driver’s license was suspended at the time of the arrest. The vehicle has been seized and is now in the Covington Police Department’s impound lot.
