Fort Smith police arrest man in connection with September 7 hit-and-run accident

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Fort Smith police have arrested a man in connection with the September 7 hit-and-run accident that injured a pedestrian.

James Edward Swinson, 50, was arrested Friday after a two-week investigation. He is being held in the leaving the scene of an accident in which an injury or death occurred, habitual offender, petition to revoke, and contempt-willful disobedience charges.

FSPD said it was able to identify the vehicle involved and the registered owner after a two-week investigation into an accident on South 21st Street that left a 69-year-old woman with “serious injuries”.

The department said it thanks the public for their patience and assistance.

Swinson is being held on a $54,150 bond and has a court date set for September 25.

UPDATE: FSPD Chief of Police Danny L. Baker has released a statement regarding the September 7 hit-and-run accident .

I am so very thankful that the victim in the September 7th, Hit-And-Run incident, Ms. Linda Pulach, is expected to make a full recovery. I am also deeply indebted to our investigators, prosecutor’s office, and citizens for the hard work and collaboration resulting in today’s arrest of James Edward Swinson. Sadly this arrest comes only hours after an avid cyclist, Steve Hobbs, lost his life on our streets doing what he loved when he was struck by a motorist. The Fort Smith Police Department remains steadfastly committed to doing our part in making the streets and pedestrian ways of Fort Smith safe for all who travel upon them.

But enforcement and education can only go so far. As the number of people utilizing our roads and trails continues to increase, we as a community must be doing all we can to create an environment that is safe for all roadway users, whether cyclists, pedestrians, or motorists. It is my hope that the arrest of Mr. Swinson in the September 7th hit-and-run incident and today’s tragic death of Mr. Hobbs will underscore the pressing need for significant safety improvements in our mobility infrastructure.

Fort Smith Chief of Police, Danny L. Baker

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