Little Rock, Arkansas – A Lamar man with a long criminal history will spend more than 15 years in federal prison after authorities uncovered methamphetamine distribution activity, a firearm, and evidence of a dangerous attempt to flee law enforcement.
Kelly Bruce Duncan Jr., 43, who has previous felony drug convictions, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
A federal grand jury had indicted Duncan on three counts: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On September 29, 2025, Duncan pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition to the prison term, Judge Rudofsky ordered three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
High-Speed Pursuit and Armed Arrest
The case stems from a June 8, 2024 incident when law enforcement attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Duncan after observing a traffic violation. The vehicle displayed fictitious tags and fled at high speed, triggering a dangerous pursuit.
Authorities reported that Duncan reached speeds of up to 112 miles per hour, passed vehicles aggressively, drove into oncoming traffic lanes multiple times, ran a stop sign, and struck another passenger car while turning. That vehicle contained a juvenile secured in a car seat. The chase lasted approximately 21 minutes and covered roughly 35 miles.
Duncan eventually drove down an ATV trail, rendering the vehicle inoperable, and fled on foot. Officers observed him holding a revolver. During the confrontation, Duncan told officers, “I’ve got a gun.” He was given repeated commands to drop the weapon while stating he was not going back to jail. After several tense minutes, he dropped the firearm and was taken into custody. The weapon was identified as a loaded Taurus .45/.410 revolver.
Drugs, Evidence, and Admissions
During a search of Duncan’s person, officers discovered two clear baggies in his pocket containing methamphetamine — one confirmed by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to weigh 6.7885 grams and a second bag weighing 1.2544 grams that was not tested — along with a .410-gauge shell.
A handgun holster was located near the vehicle, and drug paraphernalia was found inside the vehicle console. While being transported to the detention center, Duncan admitted he had planned to drive the vehicle into a creek to evade officers and acknowledged possessing the firearm.
Investigators later obtained a search warrant for Duncan’s Facebook account, uncovering messages discussing the acquisition and distribution of ounce quantities of methamphetamine. Duncan admitted he was involved in distributing at least 200 grams of the drug.
Extensive Criminal History
Duncan’s criminal record dates back to 2001 and includes convictions for possession of firearms by certain persons, felony fleeing, two counts of delivery of methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver. His status as a repeat offender played a role in the federal prosecution and sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pope County Sheriff’s Office and the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force.
Federal officials say the sentence reflects the seriousness of drug trafficking and the risks posed when offenders attempt to flee while armed. Authorities continue to stress that cooperative efforts among local and federal agencies remain vital in combating drug distribution and protecting community safety.
