Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Dillon Mitchell finds himself in serious legal trouble after being identified as the driver in a high-speed police pursuit across multiple Arkansas counties on November 17. According to a story in NEA Report, the 28-year-old Canadian Football League player now faces felony charges in two separate judicial districts following the incident that reached speeds exceeding 130 miles per hour.
From college star to legal trouble
Mitchell, currently a wide receiver for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was previously a standout at the University of Oregon and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft. His professional career now faces uncertainty as he navigates serious legal challenges in Arkansas.
Multi-jurisdictional legal battle
Court records reveal Mitchell faces charges in both Craighead and Lawrence counties, meaning he will have two separate court cases with different prosecutors. In Craighead County, he faces charges of felony fleeing, DWI first offense, refusal to submit to a chemical test, reckless driving, speeding, driving without a license, and disregarding traffic signals.
Lawrence County authorities have obtained an additional arrest warrant for Mitchell on charges of felony fleeing, aggravated assault, and first-degree reckless driving, along with other infractions. The case complexity increases because Lawrence County lies in the Third Judicial District while Craighead County is in the Second Judicial District, requiring separate legal proceedings.
The dangerous pursuit
The incident began when Black Rock Police Chief Bryan Archer observed Mitchell’s black Ford Mustang traveling 80 mph in a 55 mph zone on U.S. 63. The pursuit escalated through multiple counties, with the vehicle reaching 130 mph while passing vehicles on shoulders and center turn lanes, running red lights, and nearly causing several head-on collisions before finally crashing after striking a metal exit sign.
Judge Tommy Fowler set bail at $5,000 cash-only, citing Mitchell as a danger to the public. The Canadian Football League has not yet commented on the situation regarding their player’s legal status as he faces serious charges in two separate Arkansas judicial districts.
Video courtesy of NEA Report
Source: NEA Report