Louisiana State University transfer and Ole Miss offensive lineman Carius Curne was arrested by Arkansas State Police on April 25, 2026, after a high-speed pursuit in Crittenden County, Arkansas, that reached 129 mph. He faced six charges at booking. Two days later he entered a no-contest plea, was convicted on three reduced counts, had the other three dropped, and received a suspended jail sentence with house arrest and probation. He remained on the Ole Miss roster.
The Pursuit
Trooper Garrett Byrd clocked a Dodge Charger going 77 mph in a 55 mph zone. The pursuit that followed reached 140 mph by the trooper’s account, with Curne’s vehicle timed at 129 mph. It ended when Sgt. Steve Roberts deployed a tire deflation device that Curne’s car struck.1NEA Report. Former LSU Lineman Gets House Arrest After 129 MPH ASP Pursuit
Curne was booked at the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office at 5:11 p.m. and released at 6:50 p.m., a stay of roughly an hour and 39 minutes.2Sports Illustrated. Ole Miss Football Offensive Lineman Arrested on Six Charges
The Six Original Charges
Curne was booked on six counts:
- Felony fleeing in a vehicle, creating a substantial danger of death
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Improper lane change (described in some filings as improper passing or driving on the shoulder)
- Possession of a Schedule VI substance (less than four ounces)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor)
Under Arkansas law, a Schedule VI controlled substance refers to marijuana, and possession of less than four ounces is a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to one year in prison, a $2,500 fine, and a mandatory six-month driver’s license suspension.3New York Post. College Football Star and NFL Prospect Carius Curne Arrested Fleeing by vehicle while exceeding the speed limit is a Class D felony under Arkansas Code § 5-54-125, and fleeing with extreme indifference to the value of human life rises to a Class C felony.4Justia. Arkansas Code § 5-54-125 – Fleeing
How the Case Was Resolved
On April 27, 2026, two days after the arrest, Curne appeared in Crittenden County District Court in West Memphis under Case No. WMS-26-1237 and entered a no-contest plea. The court found him guilty on three charges: first-degree reckless driving, fleeing on foot, and speeding more than 15 mph over the limit.5Clarion Ledger. Carius Curne Arrest Charges Update
Three charges were not pursued: the felony fleeing-in-a-vehicle count, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.6Daily Journal. Three Charges Not Pursued Against Carius Curne The reduction from felony fleeing in a vehicle to a misdemeanor fleeing-on-foot conviction was notable given that the pursuit reached 129 mph. No public explanation was provided for why the more serious charges were dropped.
The sentence: one year in jail, suspended; one year of probation supervised by Justice Network; 60 days of house arrest; and $1,500 in fines and court costs. Records show Curne paid $2,150 on the day of his court appearance.1NEA Report. Former LSU Lineman Gets House Arrest After 129 MPH ASP Pursuit
Ole Miss Response and Roster Status
Head coach Pete Golding was asked about the arrest at a spring football news conference on April 27, 2026. “Obviously it’s a legal matter. We’re still gathering information on it. Really can’t speak on that right now. We’ll let the legal process run its course and see what happens,” Golding said.7Sports Illustrated. Ole Miss Football Pete Golding Reveals Statement on Carius Curne Arrest No formal team suspension or public discipline was announced.
Curne, who transferred from LSU to Ole Miss in January 2026, stayed on the official 2026 Ole Miss football roster after the case closed and was identified as a starting candidate at offensive tackle heading into the season.8Ole Miss Sports. Carius Curne