Maumelle, Arkansas — A Waffle House employee was killed after a vehicle crashed through the restaurant shortly after midnight and pinned her underneath the vehicle, according to police.
The deadly incident happened at the Waffle House located at 20514 State Highway 365 in Maumelle just after midnight on Sept. 27, the Maumelle Police Department said in a press release.
Investigators identified the victim as employee Tracy Long, who was pinned beneath a black Lexus after the vehicle crashed into the restaurant. Long suffered fatal injuries in the incident, according to police and local reporting.
Employee Trapped Under Black Lexus
Police said the vehicle entered the restaurant and struck Long, leaving her trapped underneath the black Lexus. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, but authorities arrested Ranisha Peebles in connection with the deadly incident.
Peebles was charged with negligent homicide, driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a chemical test, reckless driving and obstructing governmental operations, according to the Maumelle Police Department.
Peebles remains in custody at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Family Remembers Tracy Long
Long’s death has left friends and family remembering her as someone who regularly helped people around her. Her former stepdaughter, Alex Mikel, told Fox16 that she had been texting with Long just one day before the crash.
Mikel said Long had recently moved into a new apartment and that she was planning to help her move.
“She had just gotten a new apartment, and I was going to help her move,” Mikel said. “She was very caring, and very generous and giving. She always helped others even when she didn’t have a lot.”
The conversation made the sudden loss particularly difficult for those close to Long, who had been making plans for the days ahead.
Friend Says Long Had Been Sober for Five Years
Long’s friend, Kimberly Springer, also spoke about her life and the progress she had made in recent years. Springer told the outlet that Long had been five years sober, describing the achievement as something Long was extremely proud of.
“She was so proud of herself for doing that, breaking away, staying away from the drugs, the alcohol, the abusive relationships,” Springer said.
Seattle Woman Walking to 7-Eleven on Work Break Attacked by Stranger Who Allegedly Bit Her Face
Her comments offered a glimpse into the personal struggles Long had overcome and the changes she had made in her life before her death.
Suspect Remains in Custody
Peebles is currently being held at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility while the criminal case moves forward. She has pleaded not guilty, and the charges against her remain allegations unless proven in court.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 17, when the case is expected to move forward through the legal process. The investigation into the crash will help determine the circumstances that led the vehicle to leave the roadway and crash into the restaurant.
For Long’s family, friends and former coworkers, the focus has shifted to remembering the woman they knew and the life she was working to rebuild.
The late-night crash has also left the Maumelle community mourning a restaurant employee whose life was suddenly cut short while she was at work.
What are your thoughts on this tragic incident? Share your condolences for Tracy Long and your thoughts about the case in the comments below.
