Ranisha Peebles pleads not guilty in fatal Maumelle Waffle House crash

Ranisha Peebles pleaded not guilty in Maumelle court to charges from a fatal restaurant crash. The collision killed Tracy Long inside a local diner early Sunday morning.

Peebles is charged with negligent homicide, driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test. She is also accused of reckless driving and obstruction of governmental operations. Peebles was released Monday, Sept. 28, on a $7,500 bond.

Investigators said a vehicle crashed into the Waffle House on Highway 365. Long worked at the diner and died in the crash.

Family and friends said they want people to remember Long beyond the tragedy. Alex Mikel was Long’s stepdaughter for 15 years.

Mikel had texted Long one day before the collision about moving into a new apartment.

“I just dropped my phone, and I told my husband, I was like, my God, Tracy’s gone.”

Mikel said Long treated Mikel’s children like her own grandchildren. Mikel noted Long always helped others even when she lacked resources.

Friend Kimberly Springer met Long about five years ago in Conway. Springer said Long had recently celebrated five years in recovery from drugs, alcohol and abusive relationships.

“She had made something of herself, all by herself.”

Springer recalled shared lunches, doctor visits, regular conversations and photos of Long’s fingernails. Mikel added that Long was still building her future when her life ended.

District courts in Arkansas handle initial appearances, bond settings and preliminary pleas for felony cases. Defendants who post bond must follow release conditions set by the judge before future hearings.

Long was a resident of Conway before the fatal incident in Maumelle.