FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – A 20-year-old man from Fayetteville was arrested on Tuesday evening on charges of first-degree murder after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop and causing a fatal crash over the weekend. Noah Cargill faces a range of charges, including reckless driving, fleeing, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The charges stem from an incident on Saturday, during which Cargill allegedly led state troopers on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood, reaching speeds of over 100 mph. The pursuit ended in a crash that resulted in the death of 56-year-old David Michael Pemberton, a California man.
According to a preliminary police report, Cargill’s manner of driving demonstrated extreme indifference to human life, including other motorists and pedestrians. He reportedly told police that he thought he was being chased by someone who was “out to get him” and was unaware that it was a police officer trying to pull him over.
Cargill’s bail has been set at $750,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court for a first appearance and bond hearing. However, the charges at booking are preliminary, and formal charges may be filed by prosecutors later.
Following the crash, Cargill suffered a broken leg and other injuries, undergoing surgery at a hospital before being released on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Fayetteville Police Department is conducting an investigation into the wreck and the criminal case.
Commenting on the incident, Col. Mike Hagar of the state police emphasized the dangers of fleeing law enforcement, stressing that the tragedy underscores the importance of not evading police.
The arrest and subsequent charges highlight the serious consequences of reckless driving and attempting to evade law enforcement, particularly when it results in the loss of innocent lives. As the case progresses, further details are likely to emerge, shedding light on the sequence of events and the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.