The driver of a vehicle involved in a fatal train accident at the Sidell Road train crossing on May 6 was taken into custody Thursday night. After a month long investigation, detectives were able to determine that 28-year-old Laura E. Holmes, 28, of North Little Rock negligently caused the death of 36-year-old Marina Prescott of Benton, by operating her (Holmes) vehicle under the influence of intoxicants.
Detectives were able to determine that Holmes was driving the vehicle from a pool hall in Little Rock on the morning of May 6 and later drove onto the train tracks at the Sidell Road train crossing where the vehicle got stuck on the tracks. About 4:30 a.m. Holmes and Prescott attempted to free the vehicle from the track, with Prescott pushing the vehicle from the outside. Prescott was struck and killed by the Union Pacific train travelling north as it struck Holmes’ car. Holmes was ejected from the vehicle and was airlifted via med flight to Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock.
On Thursday, June 9, detectives served Holmes a warrant for Negligent Homicide, class B felony; Driving While Intoxicated, class A misdemeanor; and Careless and Prohibited Driving. She was transported to the Saline County Sheriff’s Department Detention Facility where she was booked in and released. The investigation is on-going and detectives have reports remaining at the Arkansas Crime Lab regarding this case. Investigators are continuing to conduct interviews and are working the Alcohol Beverage Control. This case is jointly investigated with Union Pacific Police, Arkansas State Police, and the Saline County Coroner’s Office.
Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send us anonymous information to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on ITunes and Google Play.