JONESBORO, Ark. — A man accused of striking four pedestrians with his vehicle in two separate incidents Thursday evening in Jonesboro is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and is being held on a $5 million bond, authorities said.
The Jonesboro Police Department identified Michael Vincent Coleman, 43, as the suspect arrested early Friday morning. Police allege Coleman first struck two pedestrians outside a Walmart Neighborhood Market on Harrisburg Road around 6:30 p.m. After fleeing the scene, investigators said he drove into Craighead Forest Park, where he left the roadway and struck two more pedestrians on a walking path at 6:36 p.m.
Officers responded to both locations, and all four victims were transported to area hospitals. Police confirmed that two of the victims sustained critical injuries, while the other two had minor injuries.
Coleman fled the scene on foot after the second incident but was apprehended with the assistance of police, a K-9 unit, and bystander cooperation. The Jonesboro Police Department credited its Real-Time Crime Center and patrol officers for quickly identifying and capturing Coleman following a physical encounter during the arrest.
According to Craighead County jail records, Coleman was booked at 2:15 a.m. Friday. Initially charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, his charges were later updated to include criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder. Judge David Boling set Coleman’s bond at $5 million cash or surety. Coleman’s listed address is in Bay, Arkansas.
This is not Coleman’s first interaction with law enforcement. Court documents reveal a series of previous arrests and charges, including an Aug. 3 arrest for driving uninsured and failing to maintain control of a vehicle. In July, Coleman was charged in a separate case involving allegations of identity fraud and theft related to prescription medication valued at over $1,300. He is scheduled to appear in court for that case on Aug. 21.
Coleman also has a prior conviction from July 11 of this year for possession of between 2 and 10 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine, stemming from a March 2023 offense. In addition, police records show multiple other charges since 2025, including contempt of court, drug paraphernalia possession, drugs, and theft.
Sally Smith, Public Information Official for the Jonesboro Police Department, confirmed that authorities were familiar with Coleman due to his extensive history of encounters with law enforcement.
The investigation into Thursday’s incidents remains ongoing. The Jonesboro Police Department thanked the Jonesboro Fire Department, park rangers, and code enforcement officers for their assistance in the response. Further updates will be made available as the investigation progresses.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.