Fort Smith man charged with negligent homicide after motorcyclist died in wake of hit-and-run | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

A 52-year-old man, John A. Bailey, has been charged with negligent homicide following a hit-and-run incident on March 17 that resulted in the death of a Fort Smith motorcyclist. Bailey, who resides on Bonanza Road in Fort Smith, was initially arrested the day after the collision for leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury, a Class B felony, but was released on a $20,000 bond.

On the day of the incident, deputies responded to a crash on Tennessee Ridge Road where they found 52-year-old Warren Campbell receiving medical assistance. Campbell was subsequently airlifted to a hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries a few days later.

As investigations progressed, authorities formally charged Bailey with leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury or death, categorized as a Class D felony, alongside the negligent homicide charge, a Class A misdemeanor. Witnesses reported seeing a white truck, described as a work vehicle loaded with wood, departing the scene of the crash.

While no one directly witnessed the collision, several individuals reported hearing the crash's impact. Investigators pieced together the scenario, concluding that Bailey’s truck made a left turn in front of Campbell's motorcycle as it traveled eastbound on Tennessee Ridge Road.

Further investigation led to the identification of Bailey as the driver after surveillance footage linked the truck to a local business. Evidence suggested attempts to conceal damage on the vehicle, leading to his arrest following interviews with the investigators.