De Queen Man Charged After Allegedly Running from Deputies During Gillham Traffic Stop

A De Queen man is facing a misdemeanor fleeing charge after authorities say he ran from deputies during a traffic stop in Gillham.

According to the affidavit, 37-year-old Travis Winger was arrested following the incident on Friday, July 10.

The affidavit states a sheriff’s deputy was patrolling northbound on U.S. Highway 71 when he observed an older-model white pickup truck pulling a trailer without a license plate. The deputy also reported the truck had become disabled in the northbound lane, obstructing traffic.

After stopping to investigate, the deputy made contact with the four occupants of the vehicle. While gathering identification, the deputy recognized Winger from previous encounters. The occupants’ information was then submitted through the Arkansas Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center databases.

According to investigators, before the records check was completed, Winger exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The deputy immediately notified dispatch and requested assistance from other units.

A short time later, another deputy located Winger behind the EZ-Mart convenience store. Authorities say Winger ran across U.S. Highway 71 toward a nearby wooded area but was apprehended without further incident.

According to the affidavit, Winger later told deputies he fled because he believed there was a “$40,000 warrant” for his arrest. Deputies informed him that he had no active warrants and advised him he was under arrest for fleeing.

Winger was transported to the Sevier County Jail, where he was booked on one count of fleeing, a Class C misdemeanor. The allegations are based on the arrest affidavit, and the case remains pending in court.