JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro woman is facing multiple charges, including a felony firearm possession allegation and a drug-related DWI allegation, after police say surveillance footage contradicted her claim that she was not driving during a recent crash.
Jessica L. Barber, 30, appeared in court on October 14 following an October 13 crash at the intersection of East Johnson Avenue and Old Greensboro Road. According to a probable cause affidavit, no injuries were reported.
When officers arrived at the scene, Barber was standing on the passenger side of the crashed vehicle, while another person stood near the driver’s side. Police reviewed intersection camera footage that they allege showed Barber exiting the driver’s seat after the crash and moving to the passenger side. The affidavit further alleges that Barber initially denied being the driver.
Police described Barber as exhibiting signs of impairment, including rapid speech, unsteady footing, heavy sweating, and bloodshot eyes. Field sobriety tests led officers to conclude that she was impaired by drugs. Barber reportedly admitted to officers that she had smoked marijuana and expected it to appear on a toxicology test, though the affidavit does not include test results.
Police conducted a search of the vehicle, with Barber's consent, and discovered a firearm. According to the affidavit, Barber claimed the firearm did not belong to her and stated she believed she could lawfully be near it since it was someone else’s property. Police allege that Barber has a prior felony conviction, making it illegal for her to possess or have access to a firearm.
Court filings include multiple charges against Barber, including possession of a firearm by certain persons due to a previous felony conviction, a Class D felony; driving while intoxicated involving drugs; careless and prohibited driving; endangering the welfare of passengers; and driving without a license.
Barber was ordered to post a $15,000 cash or surety bond. As conditions of her release, she must wear an alcohol-monitoring ankle device and abstain from alcohol or illegal drugs.
Court records indicate that Barber has a prior DWI conviction from 2019. Authorities noted that the current allegation may qualify as a second DWI offense within Arkansas' 10-year lookback period for such cases.
Barber is scheduled to appear in court again at 8:30 a.m. on November 23 at the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro. The allegations against her remain unproven as the case proceeds.
Craighead County officials have not released further details pending the investigation.