LOWELL (KFSM) — Arkansas State Police arrested a Rogers man early Thursday on negligent homicide charges after they say he struck and killed a Bentonville man on the side of Interstate 49 in Lowell on Wednesday night.
Randy Perea, 31, of Rogers was arrested on charges of negligent homicide, felony leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, first-offense driving while intoxicated and reckless driving with injury or death.
According to Arkansas State Police, Ricky Schwellinger, 46, of Bentonville was killed about 10:35 p.m. when he was struck by a 2015 Dodge pickup that was traveling southbound on the interstate at Exit 78, the Arkansas State Police said.
According to State Police, Schwellinger was standing next to the driver's side of a 2005 Toyota that was pulled over onto the shoulder beside a 2006 Chrysler at the Lowell exit. Cpl. Liz Chapman, a spokesman for the Arkansas State Police, said Schwellinger was helping to change a tire.
The Dodge veered off the roadway to the right, sideswiping both vehicles and hitting Schwellinger.
Perea wasn't injured, but he fled to a nearby truck stop, where he was apprehended, said Chapman.
Perea is being held in the Benton County Detention Center. No bond has been set. He is due in court on Oct. 7.
The accident shut down parts of Interstate 49 for four hours and 9 minutes, State Police said.