Teen pleads guilty to trying to outrun cops

Nineteen-year-old Henry Matthew DeAtley sentenced to 36 months probation after high-speed chase in Baxter County, Arkansas

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A 19-year-old man named Henry Matthew DeAtley pled guilty to charges including fleeing, speeding, reckless driving, and improper passing after leading a Baxter County sheriff's deputy on a high-speed chase reaching over 100 mph on State Highway 178 West in December. DeAtley was sentenced to 36 months of probation under the provisions of Act 346, which means he can apply to have his record sealed if he stays out of trouble during probation.

Why it matters

High-speed police chases can endanger public safety, and this case highlights the consequences young drivers can face for attempting to flee law enforcement. The use of Act 346 probation also provides an opportunity for DeAtley to potentially have his record sealed, which could help him avoid long-term impacts on his future.

The details

According to the report, a Baxter County sheriff's deputy observed DeAtley's small car traveling at a high rate of speed and passing other vehicles in no-passing zones. DeAtley eventually pulled into a business parking lot, rolled down his window, and tossed his keys onto the lot. The deputy drew his weapon and ordered DeAtley out of the vehicle and onto the ground. When asked why he fled, DeAtley said he was already speeding and knew his vehicle's tags were expired and he had no insurance.

  • On December 30, a Baxter County sheriff's deputy observed DeAtley's vehicle speeding and passing other cars illegally.
  • On February 23, DeAtley appeared in Baxter County Circuit Court and pled guilty to the charges.

The players

Henry Matthew DeAtley

A 19-year-old man from Lakeview, Arkansas who pled guilty to charges including fleeing, speeding, reckless driving, and improper passing after a high-speed chase with police.

Baxter County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that pursued and apprehended DeAtley after observing him driving recklessly and at high speeds.

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What they’re saying

“I 'was already speeding' and knew if I was stopped, a check on the vehicle would show my tags were expired and that I had no insurance.”

— Henry Matthew DeAtley (ktlo.com)

What’s next

If DeAtley successfully completes his 36-month probation period under Act 346, he will be able to apply to the court to have his record sealed.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences young drivers can face for attempting to flee from law enforcement, even if their initial offense was relatively minor. The use of probation under Act 346 also highlights how the justice system can provide opportunities for offenders to avoid long-term impacts on their records if they demonstrate good behavior.