Polk County Man Denied Bond Reduction

A Polk County resident charged with Battery and Negligent Homicide pertaining to a fatal traffic accident last year has been denied a bond reduction.  22 year old Chance Manasco of Mena remains in the Howard County Jail on a 50 thousand dollar bond.  He is due back in court again in March. 

Authorities said Manasco was driving a Chevrolet Traverse on Highway 84 near Umpire last February when he lost control of the vehicle in a curve.  The vehicle overturned several times eventually striking a tree before coming to rest.  A passenger, 19 year old Rachel Norman of Wickes, died at the scene from her injuries.  Manasco and three minors in the vehicle were injured according to police reports.

State troopers working the wreck said they detected the odor of alcohol coming from Manasco and testing conducted by the State Crime Lab found Manasco’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. 

A reconstruction of the accident by state police determined Manasco’s vehicle had been traveling at speeds approaching 90 miles per hour just before the accident occurred.