BROOKLAND, Ark. — A man is facing felony charges after allegedly grabbing the steering wheel of a vehicle during an argument, causing it to overturn with an infant inside, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in court.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 near East School and Missouri streets. Officer Eric Stephens of the Brookland Police Department responded to the scene, where he found a white vehicle upside down in a ditch near railroad tracks.
Court records state that the driver, passenger, and infant occupant of the vehicle had been able to exit the overturned car before Stephens arrived. The infant was reportedly secured in a car seat, and no immediate injuries were reported among the occupants. Medical personnel evaluated the three individuals at the scene, but they declined treatment. However, the driver later informed police she intended to seek a hospital evaluation for herself and the child.
Eayn Obryan Wright was identified as the passenger in the back seat. According to the affidavit, Wright at first told officers the vehicle had rolled over because its steering had locked as they crossed the railroad tracks. However, the driver provided a different account of the crash, saying it stemmed from an argument with Wright over baby wipes shortly after leaving an apartment. She told police that as she began turning the car back toward the apartment, Wright reached forward from the back seat and grabbed the steering wheel, forcing the vehicle off the road and into the ditch.
When questioned again, Wright admitted to grabbing the wheel, claiming he wanted the driver to stop and let him out of the vehicle. Wright also told police his car door was open when the crash occurred, according to court records.
Wright was arrested at the scene and transported to the Craighead County Detention Center. He faces two counts of aggravated assault on a family or household member and one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. All three charges are listed as Class D felonies.
At a first judicial appearance on Sept. 14, District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause to proceed with the charges and set Wright’s bond at $15,000 cash or surety. The bond order also prohibits Wright from having any contact with the alleged victims. A public defender was appointed to represent him in the case.
Wright’s next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 26 in Craighead County Circuit Court in Jonesboro.
Authorities emphasize that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.