A Jonesboro man accused of intentionally striking four pedestrians with his car, killing one, is scheduled to stand trial early next year.
Michael Vincent Coleman, 43, will face a jury on January 4, 2027, with proceedings expected to conclude by January 8, according to court records. Pretrial motion and plea hearings are set for December 3 and December 18 of this year.
Second Judicial Circuit Judge Chris Thyer found probable cause on August 20 to charge Coleman with first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, second-degree battery, fleeing, resisting arrest, and killing or injuring a police animal. Coleman remains in custody under a $5 million cash or surety bond. If released, he will be required to wear a GPS ankle monitor.
The charges stem from an incident on August 13, when Jonesboro police responded to reports of a pedestrian crash at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Harrisburg Road. According to the police affidavit, surveillance footage showed Coleman’s car yielding to a person in a motorized shopping cart before he allegedly swerved to avoid another pedestrian and sped out of camera view, striking two individuals in the parking lot.
One of the victims, 63-year-old Belinda Sue Adams of Jonesboro, was transported to Regional One Health in Memphis after suffering internal injuries, including a brain bleed. Police confirmed that Adams succumbed to her injuries on August 17. Another victim at the Walmart, 34-year-old Michael Thomas Adkins, was treated locally for a head injury.
After fleeing the Walmart scene, Coleman reportedly drove to Craighead Forest Park, where police say he veered off the road onto a walking path, striking two additional pedestrians. Christy Eppes, 45, suffered severe injuries, including a brain bleed and spinal separation, while 22-year-old Madison Childers sustained multiple injuries, including a broken wrist and severe bruising. Coleman allegedly attempted to flee again but was blocked by rough terrain. He abandoned his vehicle and ran on foot.
According to law enforcement, K-9 units tracked Coleman about half a mile from his car, where officers took him into custody after a struggle. During the altercation, Coleman allegedly placed a police K-9 in a chokehold, requiring officers to physically subdue him. One officer reportedly sustained a broken hand, and the police dog displayed lethargy and respiratory distress following the incident.
At the time of the August 13 events, court records show Coleman was out on bond for a July arrest on charges of theft and nonfinancial identity fraud.
Coleman’s trial date is now set, with one victim deceased and three others recovering from a range of injuries related to the alleged hit-and-run.