GREENE COUNTY, Ark. – An Arkansas man has been charged in a fatal crash that occurred last year, as police say he was attempting to pass a semi truck on the highway.
The Greene County sheriff’s office arrested a Bruce Owens, 50, of Paragould Tuesday in connection with a crash that left three people dead.
According to reporting from KAIT news in Jonesboro, Owens is charged with three counts of negligent homicide, violation of the omnibus DWI Act and absconding, according to online booking records. He is being held on a $250,000 cash or surety bond.
Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder told KAIT that Arkansas State Police is conducting the investigation.
The crash happened at 4:35 p.m. Oct. 17, 2025, on U.S. Highway 412 in Greene County.
According to the preliminary crash report, 52-year-old Sherry Felty of Paragould, 40-year-old Duane Smith Jr., and 31-year-old Christine Sta Ana, both of Jonesboro, were killed in the crash.
ASP said Owens was driving a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe westbound behind a Freightliner semi truck. Smith was driving a 2020 Jeep Renegade eastbound in the inside lane of traffic.
Owens passed the semi crossing into the center lane and into opposing lanes of traffic.
As Owens crossed back into the eastbound lanes, the front of his vehicle struck the front of Smith Jr.’s vehicle.
The crash killed Owens’ passenger, Felty. Smith and Sta Ana were in the second vehicle and were killed.
Owens and a minor passenger in Smith’s vehicle suffered undisclosed injuries.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
