The suspect involved in the Christmas Eve highspeed chase on Interstate 40 is deceased, Arkansas State Police (ASP) reports.
According to a press release, an unnamed 33-year-old Virginia resident was driving a 2006 Honda Pilot 98 miles per hour on Interstate 40 near the 66 mile marker. A trooper initiated a traffic stop, but the suspect give the trooper false identification. The suspect then began to flee, but the trooper was able to perform a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) near mile marker 61.
According to the release, the suspect’s vehicle traveled into a wooded area north of the interstate, striking a tree before coming a rest. The suspect died from injuries sustained during the TVI.
Upon a search of the suspect and their vehicle, officers located a loaded handgun and drug paraphernalia in the suspect’s pockets. A taser and 4.9 ounces of cocaine were located in the suspect’s vehicle.
ASP Colonel Mike Hagar highlighted the dangers presented by fleeing from law enforcement, “Fleeing from law enforcement is reckless and has serious consequences. Although we regret any loss of life, ASP Troopers will always put the lives of innocent motorists first.”
The unnamed suspect reportedly had other charges in Virginia including fleeing, giving false identification and being in possession of a controlled substance.
The suspect’s body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab and the incident is under investigation by ASP’s Criminal investigation Division.
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