Man accused of murder in attack on pedestrians

On Tuesday, Craighead County Circuit Judge Chris Thyer found probable cause to charge Coleman with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted fist-degree murder, one count of second-degree battery on a law enforcement officer and one count of killing or injuring an animal used by a law enforcement agency. He also faces misdemeanor fleeing and resisting arrest charges.

Coleman remains in the Craighead County Detention Center in lieu of a $5 million bond. Thyer said Coleman would be required to wear an ankle monitor should he gain pretrial release.

One of the four victims, Belinda Adams, 63, of Jonesboro, died in a Memphis hospital on Monday.

Jonesboro Detective Bruce Wright laid out the details of the events, which occurred at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Harrisburg Road, and then at Craighead Forest Park, in a probable cause affidavit.

“Investigators received surveillance footage from Walmart showing Coleman arriving at the front pedestrian crosswalk,” Wright said in the affidavit. “After yielding to a person on a motorized shopping cart, Coleman steered right toward an unknown pedestrian who managed to jump out of the way. Coleman then accelerated to a high rate of speed out of camera range, where he struck two victims before fleeing the scene.”

Wright said traffic camera recordings later showed Coleman driving normally toward Craighead Forest Park.

“Once inside the park, he navigated the roadway before executing a sharp 90-degree left turn off the pavement, followed by a sharp right turn to access the walking path, where he struck two walking companions. One victim sustained a head laceration and a broken wrist, while the other was thrown onto the hood, causing severe structural damage before being launched approximately 40 feet to the ground.”

Coleman tried to drive away, but was blocked by a wooden bridge, according to Wright.

Unable to maneuver back onto the road, Coleman abandoned the car and fled on foot.

When police arrived at the park, witnesses provided video showing Coleman heading into the surrounding forest, Coleman said.

“Utilizing police K-9 units, officers tracked and located Michael Coleman approximately half a mile northeast of the abandoned vehicle. Coleman resisted arrest, prompting the deployment of a police K-9 to assist officers in taking him into custody. During the struggle, Coleman placed the K-9 in a chokehold, refusing to let go until officers applied physical force.”

One officer sustained a broken hand during the altercation, Wright said.

Coleman’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 9 in Craighead County Circuit Court.

If convicted, Coleman faces up to life in prison for the murder charge and up to 30 years for each of the attempted murder charges.