An Arkansas man will spend more than 20 years in prison after facing charges tied to a high-speed chase in 2024 that resulted in one person’s death, according to court records.
Kevin Swafford, 25, of Paris, pleaded guilty on April 15 to manslaughter and fleeing by vehicle. The court sentenced him as a habitual offender due to four prior felony convictions, records show.
Swafford received a 25-year sentence in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, along with a 25-year suspended sentence. He must serve 25% of that term before becoming eligible for parole.
A sentencing order states that Swafford will be credited for 216 days he has already served.
Court records show Swafford’s trial was set to begin on May 4, but officials canceled it after he entered his plea.
Arkansas State Police reported that around 6 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2024, Swafford was driving a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light at the intersection of Zero Street and 31st Street.
As he ran the light, he caused a crash involving three other vehicles. Authorities said Swafford was fleeing from an ASP trooper who had attempted to stop him because his car did not have a license plate.
During the pursuit, Swafford ignored multiple traffic signals and continued driving at a high rate of speed through heavy traffic, according to the ASP news release.
The crash ejected both Swafford and his passenger, Calvin Eubanks, 25, of Fort Smith, from the vehicle. Eubanks died at the scene.
Emergency responders took Swafford to a nearby hospital with minor injuries before transporting him to the Sebastian County Detention Center.
Two drivers involved in the crash were not injured, while a third driver was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.