Michigan men sentenced for possessing Molotov cocktails, leading officers on Northwest Arkansas pursuit
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Two Michigan men have pleaded guilty in Washington County and been sentenced after they led officers on a multi-state chase in February 2024, according to court documents.
Robert Cory Mercier, 21, and Trenton Johnson, 21, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of explosives. Johnson entered his plea on May 6, and Mercier entered his the following day.
Johnson was sentenced to 10 years of probation under the condition that he would testify against Mercier in future proceedings if needed. The fleeing charge against Johnson was nolle prossed, meaning he was no longer prosecuted on that charge.
Mercier was sentenced to 10 years in prison with two years suspended. He is currently being held in the Benton County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond for theft by receiving, fleeing and criminal use of a prohibited weapon charges.
Tontitown police chief relives high-speed chase, flipping crash
Both were arrested on Feb. 7, 2024, after Tontitown police say the two men led officers on a chase through Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas.
According to a press release from Tontitown police, multiple officers assisted outside agencies with a high-speed pursuit as it neared Tontitown.
A Tontitown officer, later identified as Chief Corey Jenison, performed a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI), which ended the chase.
Speeds during the pursuit exceeded 120 mph, according to TPD.
Officers found firearms and improvised flammable devices, commonly called 'Molotov cocktails,' inside the allegedly stolen U-Haul van following the chase, according to the release.
Mercier is set to appear in court in Benton County for his charges on June 2.
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