At approximately 12:30 p.m., Friday, March 31, Monticello Police responded to an accident at Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant.
According to the police report, Sgt. Corey Browder arrived at the scene where he found a 2003 Chevrolet Astro Van had driven through the outer wall, and was physically inside the restaurant.
Sgt. Browder observed that the driver of the van, Bessie Jefferson, was slumped over and unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services arrived and began treating Jefferson.
Other emergency personnel were dispatched to treat four women who were seated at a table that was struck by the van. The women suffered various lacerations to their arms, hands, legs, and one sustained a laceration to the back of her head. EMS transported Jefferson to Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock, and the four injured women were transported to separate hospitals.
According to Sgt. Browder’s report, Jefferson entered the parking lot and drove her van into a parking space at the south end of the building. Once the van entered the space it sped up and drove over the curb and into the building where it collided with several booths and tables.
Rangel towing responded to the scene and removed the van from the building.
Sgt. Browder obtained a warrant to collect blood samples from Jefferson, but due to extreme weather conditions that afternoon, he was unable to execute the warrant.
At the time of publication, there is no further information available.
