Arkansas State Police Go to Extreme Measures to Catch Fleeing Suspect

In a recent incident, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) once again demonstrated their determination to apprehend fleeing suspects. This time, they used a pit maneuver at a high speed of 88 mph (142 km/h) and leveraged a trailer hitch as the point of contact. Despite the violent nature of the accident, the suspect miraculously survived.

The ASP often gets involved in pursuits when requested by local Sheriff’s Offices. In this case, officers from Independence County sought their assistance in bringing the chase to an end. The incident began when authorities attempted to pull over the driver of a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer for driving left of the center of Highway 122.

However, instead of complying with the police, the driver decided to flee, prompting local law enforcement to deploy spike strips in an attempt to stop the vehicle. Unfortunately, these measures proved ineffective. Officer Dustin Carpenter, who joined the chase in its final mile after it had been ongoing for approximately 15 miles, ultimately made the decision to use the PIT maneuver.

According to the police report posted by Police Pursuits, Officer Carpenter immediately began setting up for the PIT maneuver as soon as he became the lead unit in the chase. However, he encountered difficulties as the fleeing vehicle prevented him from positioning himself to use the rear quarter for the TVI (tactical vehicle intervention). As a result, he made the split-second decision to use the exposed receiver hitch instead.

The Chevrolet Blazer spun off the road, crossed into the oncoming lane, and crashed into a culvert. During this slide, the SUV collided with a mailbox and a vinyl fence but narrowly missed a telephone pole. The wreckage left behind is a testament to the severity of the crash, making it even more remarkable that the driver survived.

Authorities have revealed that the driver had a misdemeanor warrant and was subsequently transported to White River Medical Center. He now faces multiple charges, including fleeing in a vehicle, criminal mischief, aggravated assault, reckless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, driving on a suspended license, driving left of center, speeding, careless driving, and not wearing a seat belt.

The actions taken by the ASP in this pursuit highlight their commitment to public safety and their willingness to go to great lengths to apprehend suspects. While the use of extreme measures such as the PIT maneuver can be controversial, it is clear that in this case, it was necessary to bring the chase to a safe conclusion.

It is important to note that pursuits can be dangerous for both law enforcement officers and the general public. The ASP and other law enforcement agencies must carefully assess the risks involved and make informed decisions when initiating or joining a pursuit. The safety of all individuals involved should always be the top priority.

Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with fleeing from the police. It is crucial for individuals to comply with law enforcement instructions and pull over when signaled to do so. Engaging in a high-speed chase not only puts the lives of the fleeing individuals at risk but also endangers innocent bystanders.

In conclusion, the Arkansas State Police’s recent pursuit involving a Chevrolet Blazer showcases their dedication to apprehending fleeing suspects. Despite the use of extreme measures, including a pit maneuver at high speed, the suspect survived the crash. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with fleeing from law enforcement and highlights the importance of compliance for the safety of all individuals involved.