Motorcycle Chase Ends with Dramatic Crash: Arkansas State Trooper Stops Fleeing Suspect
Some motorcycles are so fast that law enforcement officers won’t even chase them. Cruiser bikes like Harley-Davidsons aren’t typically so quick though and in the case of the fleeing suspect in the following video, it was far from fast enough to keep him out of jail. Instead, the pursuing Arkansas State Trooper tapped him just hard enough to cause a complete loss of contact with the ground.
The Chase
This chase took place in the far southwest corner of Arkansas and then moved into Texas as the motorcycle rider tried everything they could to escape. According to the report in the video description, multiple calls led ASP Trooper Cullen Young to the bike in question. Other road users said the rider was “flipping people off, braking hard in front of people,” and “trying to get run over.”
The motorcyclist was traveling at 78 mph (125 km/h) in a 65 mph (105 km/h) construction zone when the Trooper first spotted him, so a traffic stop was initiated. The rider, who police later found to be David Roark, pulled over. Then, as the trooper approached the motorcycle, Roark sped away. That tactic has certainly worked in the past with the Arkansas State Police but not here.
The Dramatic Crash
Despite other strategies employed by Roark like speeding above 100 mph (160 km/h) and driving the wrong way on the interstate, officers always retained sight of him. In fact, Roark went as far as to pass a semi-truck on the grass to escape but to no avail. Then, as he used exit 213 and began to turn right, Trooper Young bumped the back of the bike, specifically the saddlebag, and the chase came to a halt.
Of course, it only did so because the tap from the trooper led Roark to lose control of the bike and jump the curb. As he did, the bike somersaulted end over end, throwing Roark from the Harley and into the grass below. Officers found a handgun on him and said he admitted to taking drugs before the ride.
An ambulance took Roark to the hospital to attend to his injuries. They do not appear to be life-threatening.
Conclusion
This dramatic motorcycle chase serves as a reminder that attempting to flee from law enforcement is never a good idea. In this case, the Arkansas State Trooper used a controlled tap to bring the fleeing suspect to a stop, preventing any further danger to the public. The suspect’s reckless actions endangered not only his own life but also the lives of innocent bystanders.
Law enforcement agencies across the country are equipped with various tactics and strategies to apprehend fleeing suspects safely. It is always in the best interest of individuals involved in such situations to comply with law enforcement officers and face the consequences of their actions through legal means.
Additionally, this incident highlights the importance of obeying traffic laws and regulations. Speeding in construction zones and driving recklessly not only puts oneself at risk but also endangers the lives of others on the road. It is crucial for all motorists, including motorcycle riders, to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic rules.
Ultimately, this motorcycle chase serves as a cautionary tale for those who may consider evading law enforcement. The risks involved far outweigh any potential benefits, as demonstrated by the dramatic crash that occurred during this pursuit. It is always better to face the consequences of one’s actions through legal channels rather than engaging in dangerous and potentially life-threatening behavior.