June 11, 2025
BEE BRANCH, Ark. — On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, around 7:45 a.m., a 23-year-old man died as a result of injuries sustained during a high-speed pursuit in Van Buren County.
Joey Vincent Simmons II, 23, of Memphis, was the subject of a BOLO for his involvement in armed robberies of convenience stores in Conway and Damascus.
Arkansas State Police Troopers located the suspect vehicle, a Toyota Camry, traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 65 south of Bee Branch. A pursuit began with the suspect driving at speeds of more than 100 mph, passing motorists on the right, the center turn lane, and heading into oncoming traffic.
During the pursuit, the suspect fired his weapon from inside the vehicle toward the pursuing Trooper before losing control of his vehicle and leaving the roadway into a wooded area, where he was ejected.
The Van Buren County Coroner pronounced Simmons dead at the scene.
No Troopers where injured during the pursuit, no one in law enforcement fired a weapon.
The deceased will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the manner and cause of death.
