Parolee with history of fleeing arrested after a new pursuit

Oct 27, 2023

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE -- A parolee with a history of fleeing was arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges late Sunday after allegedly fleeing on his motorcycle from a traffic stop by Hot Springs Village police.

Harry Steven Polston, 61, who lists a Paralina Lane address in the Village, was taken into custody shortly after 11:30 p.m. and charged with felony counts of fleeing, possession of a controlled substance, meth, and possession of drug paraphernalia, each punishable by up to six years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of fleeing on foot, obstructing governmental operations, reckless driving, driving on a suspended driver's license and riding a motorcycle without a license.

Polston, who was also cited for failure to stop or yield, careless and prohibited driving, speeding and improper passing, remained in custody Monday on a zero bond parole hold and is set to appear Wednesday in Garland County District Court.

According to court records, Polston was convicted on July 14, 2020, and sentenced to five years in prison for felony fleeing, endangering the welfare of a minor, possession of a firearm by certain persons and drug charges after fleeing from Hot Springs police in February 2020 with his 7-year-old grandson, a gun and drugs in his car. He also has felony charges of fleeing and possession of a firearm by certain persons pending from an arrest on Aug. 8, 2022, in Saline County.

According to the probable cause affidavit, around 11:30 p.m. Sunday, HSV Police Officer Elvis Caple made a traffic stop on a motorcycle at the intersection of DeSoto Boulevard and San Fernando Loop because he couldn't read its temporary tag.

He made contact with the driver, later identified as Polston, to check the registration and asked him to turn off his bike and let the stand down "so he didn't burn his gas." He asked for his driver's license but Polston reportedly said he had left it at home and then allegedly gave Caple a false name.

As Caple stepped away to run his name, a second HSV police officer arrived at the scene to assist and moments later Polston allegedly turned his motorcycle back on and began to flee. Caple got back in his unit and attempted to catch up to him.

He reportedly saw Polston pass another vehicle in a curve on a double yellow line and then speed up to 85 mph. He allegedly eventually exceeded 90 mph as he approached the intersection of Calella Road and Valencia Lane. He made "an abrupt right turn" onto Valencia where he lost control and crashed into a ditch.

Polston reportedly began to flee on foot and Caple chased him to the intersection with Fresca Lane where he was able to tackle him to the ground and take him into custody. Caple called for LifeNet personnel to come to the scene to check Polston for any injuries.

Caple again asked Polston his name and he reportedly gave his correct name and a computer check showed he had a felony warrant through probation and parole. In searching him, Polston was allegedly found to have a small case containing a pipe and a baggie of meth, resulting in the additional felony charges.

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