Opinion ID: 1653144
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Flight from arrest

Text: Officer Davis testified over objection that Killcrease was arrested in New Orleans soon after he was told that his case was turned over to the prosecuting attorney's office. The State argued evidence of Killcrease's flight from Arkansas to avoid arrest was relevant to corroborate his guilt. Killcrease asserts the evidence was irrelevant and prejudicial because no warrant had been issued or charges filed before he left the State. Essentially, Killcrease did not know he was going to be arrested or charged before leaving. Whether the probative value of evidence is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice is a matter addressed to the discretion of the trial judge, and the decision will not be disturbed absent a manifest abuse of discretion. Logan v. State, 300 Ark. 35, 776 S.W.2d 341 (1989). Officer Davis did not specifically testify that Killcrease fled Arkansas to avoid being arrested for rape. He testified that New Orleans was where the arrest occurred. Killcrease explained he went to New Orleans only to find a job. Flight to avoid arrest may be considered by the jury as corroboration of evidence tending to establish guilt. Riddle v. State, 303 Ark. 42, 791 S.W.2d 708 (1990); Ferguson v. State, 298 Ark. 600, 769 S.W.2d 418 (1989). It was up to the jury to determine whether Killcrease fled Arkansas to avoid arrest. We cannot say the Trial Court abused its discretion by allowing the officer to testify that Killcrease was arrested in Louisiana. Affirmed.