A man apprehended on suspicion of stealing mail from local residences has been identified as a Norfork man. When 20-year-old Mason Chism was arrested and asked why he fled, he reportedly said he goes to jail every time he encounters law enforcement.
According to an incident report, a Baxter County deputy was on Arkansas Highway 5 South on Thursday when he observed a vehicle traveling at 64 miles-per-hour in a 45 work zone. As the deputy attempted to catch up to the truck, it allegedy passed two vehicles in a no-passing and work zone.
The deputy caught up to the truck in the area of the Mountain Home Moose Lodge and chased it on County Road 69. The chase ended at the intersection of County Road 69 and Apple Blossom Lane when the driver, identified as Chism, stopped his vehicle.
Chism and his passenger, a 16-year-old juvenile, exited the vehicle on instruction, and Chism was handcuffed and placed in the deputy’s patrol unit. Another deputy joined in the search of the vehicle, and a box reportedly contained several pieces of mail. A black safe in the vehicle was also searched, and a blue bag containing a box and more mail was located. Two printer toners were located in the box. Two laptop computers were also reportedly in the bottom of the bag.
The second deputy reportedly found another handbag containing several types of electronics. He also found a musket pistol in the front of the vehicle.
Chism is in the Baxter County Detention Center on charges of theft by receiving, third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, fleeing, reckless driving, speeding, improper lane change and no proof of liability insurance. His bond is set at $25,465.
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