Officials stated that at approximately 6:30 a.m. that day, a U.S. Forestry Service officer had spotted a truck run a stoplight, which authorities later stated was operated at the time by 34-year-old Justin Battenfield. At this time, the results of that internal review have not been released. "My husband, who was driving, all he got was a scratch on his elbow. Arkansas State Police said the chase began just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2022, in Forrest City when the trooper tried to stop 19-year-old John Bomar of Kentucky for a traffic violation. Hes being held in the Lawrence County Jail. There was no insurance on the car. The original charges were manufacturing a controlled substance, kidnapping and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The chase went through residential areas and busy streets,. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Viewer discretion is advised. The ASP video revealed that it was established early in the pursuit that it was believed the suspects were not armed. "You never want to have a flat, no-way, zero-pursuit policy," Albright said. Aug 5, 2022 9 10127 Check out this wild dash-cam video of a recent high-speed chase involving a young Corvette driver and the Arkansas State Police. WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. Arkansas State Police say the trooper who did the pit maneuver remains in an active duty status. It's amazing how it works out.". Today, for the first time, Real World Police presents all of the footage associated with the April 10, 2020 pursuit of Justin Battenfield, along with significant new background information regarding the incident. But, they are a reality, and sometimes they just have to happen.". (KY3) - A man has been taken to the hospital after suffering injuries from being bitten by a Greene County Sheriff's Office K9. "They don't have the best reputation for pursuits.". National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics released in 2018 showed the United States recorded 7,090 deaths related to police pursuits for the 20-year period from 1996 through 2015. Thursday: 11:30 AM 7:30 PM According to ASP, Craig is wanted in Missouri for outstanding warrants. The impact, captured on Ellis' dashcam as well as that of another trooper following close behind, is devastating. Authorities allege that after his vehicle stopped, Helton pulled out a gun, prompting three state troopers and one Mayflower police officer to fire their weapons. Just looked the kid up in the court system. February 10 It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Salinas also had a fairly extensive criminal record that included prior convictions for kidnapping and assault. Units from the Arkansas State Police took over the chase after 17 minutes, following Battenfield down a five-lane major route called Zero Street when troopers observed him weaving into. Nicole Harper, 38, went to bed on July 9 believing her unborn child had died in the crash on U.S. Highway 167 in Jacksonville, Arkansas, her lawyer Andrew Norwood said. He's owned 10 Corvettes since 1983, including examples from the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generations. Where I live, the chase would not have gone far too much traffic. That's been fairly consistent," Alpert said. Copyright 2005-2023 CorvetteBlogger INC, Arkansas State Police Chase Down Son Driving His Dads Corvette, C8 Corvette Owner Arrested for Speeding in New Hampshire for 161 MPH on Interstate 93, [VIDEO] Police Officer Tells Crazy Story About a DUI Stop Gone Wrong for a C6 Corvette Z06 Driver, FBI Raids Chinese-Owned Auto Supplier that Makes Aluminum Wheels for GM Vehicles, Chevrolet May Build a Corvette EV Sedan to Compete with the Porsche Taycan, Saturday Morning Corvette Comic: Extreme Case of Corvette Fever, [VIDEO] This is the One! Arkansas State Police are investigatingbut the crash raises questions about its pursuit policies. - A newly-released video shows an Arkansas state trooper crashing head on into a suspect's car after a chase on Interstate 530 in Jefferson County last month. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com. The summaries are not considered official reports of a highway crash investigation, but merely a summary of preliminary information presented to an investigating officer. Kenneth Albright, chief of police in Lincoln, said for his department's pursuit policy he borrowed liberally from the Washington County sheriff's office, where he served for years. The pursuit reached speeds of 110 mph. "It was a very sickening feeling because chasing somebody the right way on the roadway is already dangerous enough. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, KFSM News reports that the pursuit began on Friday, April 10 when a U.S. Forest Service officer saw a Ram 1500 pickup driven by a 34-year-old local man named Justin Battenfield run a red light in Fort Smith and refused to stop. Even the ones that have pulled me over. This younger generation said by every previous generation. "Nobody starts from scratch, no reason to reinvent the wheel. Highway 62 is reopened Monday after the suspect in a police chase surrendered to authorities.According to police, Braden Collins, 21, led University of Arkansas police on a . The trooper said the chase continued through Little Rock, on sides streets as well as Interstates 630, 30 and 40, reaching speeds of up to 120 miles per hour and finally ending up in North Little Rock. Stuttgart, Arkansas police chase and exchange of gunfire leave 2 dead, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. John Wilkerson, general counsel with the Arkansas Municipal League, said he cannot recall the organization ever having a case where it paid a claim to an individual for a police chase in his 16 years there. Arkansas State Police allege that Scotty Helton fled from. Staggs' leg was broken in three places. State investigators claim the man had a bottle of gasoline in his backpack, causing the fireball that quickly spread on the man. Dashcam video, obtained by Harper's legal team, appeared to show her slowing, activating her blinkers and changing lanes to the right, so she could eventually pull over, Norwood said. He also had a felony warrant from the Arkansas Board of Parole. A man accused of firing at Arkansas officers after leading them on a chase was fatally shot early Sunday, according to authorities. Cameron Advocates Higher Starting Pay for Kentucky Teachers, Michigan Senate Votes to Protect LGBTQ Rights, Midwest Could Add More Ethanol to Gasoline Under EPA Plan. State Trooper Crashes Into Suspect's Camaro After 140 MPH Chase In Arkansas The officer claims he was attempting to stop his cruiser before hitting the incapacitated Chevrolet by Stephen Rivers. The deadly end to this chasethe trooper could have easily been killed as well had the rollover gone just a bit differentlyraised questions about whether authorities acted appropriately. A man faces multiple charges after police said he led them on a high-speed chase that ended with him slamming into a pole. Relatives say former US Marine killed fighting in, What about Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner left in, Russia frees US Marine vet as part of prisoner exchange, Strike kills 50 at crowded Ukraine rail station, Pink Floyd members reunite and record song for Ukraine, US to send $100M more in military aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian poisonings kill 2 Russian soldiers: officials, Woman says she hopes for change with Every Child, AR bill would put OD kits at public high schools,, Gen. Wesley Clark speaks with UA Little Rock students, Family gets answers in hit-and-run death of loved, Conway PD establishes 2nd Community Crisis Response, Arkansas LEARNS bill goes before House Education, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Few things are easier to examine with the benefit of hindsight than a police chase, where potentially dangerous decisions must be made in the blink of an eye by responding officers. You can ask a city to pay for damage to your car up to the limits of their liability, but the city pays only if it chooses to. All rights reserved. Oh, my God. JONESBORO, Ark. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "Public safety and liability are really the only reasons why people reform, and, if it's not a progressive chief, then it's just going to be liability," Alpert said. "You use it sparingly and use your head and make a logical decision based on all of those factors.". A . A female passenger jumped from the car shortly. That appears to be the point at which the man becomes engulfed in flames. Those hp cops were stupid to chase @ night on a 2 lane highway @ those speeds. And of course the hp cop parked in the on coming lane of traffic instead of on the shoulder after catching up to the Vette. Once the Arkansas State Police started their pursuit the pickup had been speeding along Zero Street at over 110 mph. The investigation began on October 3 after a 911 call initially described as a robbery in progress at the Dollar General, located at 5431 Southwest Drive. Friday: 11:30 AM 8:00 PM LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Arkansas State Police has released footage of a pursuit involving troopers that ended with a motorcyclist bursting into flames. Arkansas State Police allege that. An ambulance took Craig to a Jonesboro hospital, where he was treated for injuries he suffered in the crash. In addition to speeding, Harper is being charged with failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, which carries a maximum penalty of a $400 fine. Troopers were able to knock down the fire on the man and place him under arrest. AR 72401 (870) 931-8888; Public Inspection File . You pay the limits.". The Christian County Sheriff's Office says police in Harrison, Arkansas began chasing a driver of a stolen vehicle after the occupants were seen with a handgun around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. There are other tools at the disposal of officers in pursuit situations, like spike strips, though history shows those don't always bring about a clean end either. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Staggs' insurance paid for her medical care and rehab and replaced her Jeep. Arkansas State Police immediately announced a joint probe, those don't always bring about a clean end either. Chat with Arkansas.gov. Cathy Staggs, her husband and brother-in-law pulled to the side of the road and waited for police to pass when they heard sirens and saw flashing blue lights coming up behind them in Siloam Springs just after midnight March 6. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I will take the 5th on my highest speeds with my C8 off the track. Republican Daniel Cameron says he'll push to raise starting pay for Kentucky teachers and reduce their administrative paperwork if hes elected governor, Michigan senators have voted to expand the states civil rights law to include the LGBTQ community and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, Gasoline with higher blends of ethanol could be sold year-round in eight Midwestern states beginning in 2024 under a rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. An Arkansas State Police patrol car was involved in the crash leaving one trooper injured. During the chase, state troopers deployed spike strips that deflated the tires in Heltons vehicle. As far as the other suspects in the car, no further charges will be filed in this case. Arkansas police say the driver of the fleeing car apparently tried to run over a trooper standing on the side of the interstate. His car came to a stop in an intersection in Mayflower, located about 23 miles northwest of Little Rock. The tap caused Harper's car to suddenly veer left and out of the dashcam's view. According to Russellville Police, the chase happened Thursday after authorities responded to a report of a man trying to pass a fraudulent prescription. "She cried herself to sleep," Norwood told NBC News on Wednesday. The parked cop was bloclking traffic to keep the public away from the criminal with the dangerous phone (LOL). Advertisement Justin Battenfield,. A. Please dont send links to news articles.Found an error in a story? "It is among the most dangerous functions that a law enforcement officer or an Arkansas State trooper might find themselves involved in," Sadler said of pursuits. The Ward County Sheriff's . When I came home, I had to modify my house to accommodate a wheelchair.". (AP) A man accused of firing at Arkansas officers after leading them on a chase was fatally shot early Sunday, according to authorities. Stupidthey had the license number. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Teen struck in officer-involved shooting in NW Arkansas, Barstool Pizza Review visits Arkansas pizzeria, LRPD: SWHS student accused of assaulting teacher, AR Childrens receives grant to study cancer treatments, Whoa! Arkansas State Police are investigating a Thursday night car chase in North Little Rock that ended with the death of an unidentified suspect. Neither the trooper nor the driver were hurt, and no other vehicles were involved. That's an average of 355 per year, or nearly one a day. Moments later, a speeding, uninsured driver fleeing Tontitown police crashed head-on into their Jeep. Units from the Arkansas State Police took over the chase after 17 minutes, following Battenfield down a five-lane major route called Zero Street when troopers observed him weaving into oncoming traffic at high speed. Bystanders hit in Arkansas police chases left with the bill by Ron Wood | July 10, 2022 at 2:14 a.m. Cathy Staggs, her husband and brother-in-law pulled to the side of the road and waited for. [VIDEO] Jesse Iwuji: The C8 Z06 is the Best American SupercarEver. "Everything you see just pretty much says you don't have any recourse against the cities for their police like that," Staggs said. Video shows moment Arkansas state trooper flips pregnant woman's car. The JPD dash camera video clip showed the suspects vehicle running other vehicles off the road on I-555. All Rights Reserved. Some one could have been killed! Guns were recovered as officers secured the scene, but the cashier at Dollar General said she never saw a weapon during the incident. Copyright 2022 KAIT. He had almost hit one car in the westbound lanes that was yielding to the police cars, then he lost control, crossed the highway median and two lanes of eastbound highway before crashing into the front of the Staggs' Jeep Wrangler. "That's part of the criteria, too. A Pulaski County woman's lawsuit against the Arkansas State Police claims a trooper "negligently" used a maneuver that caused her sport utility vehicle to crash into a concrete barrier along U.S . Fortunately, no innocent bystanders were injured in the chase that took place first on an interstate and then on twisting two-lane roads, finally coming to an end when the young driver obviously not as skilled as the police chasing after him crashes the Corvette on the side of the road. The fleeing car apparently tried to run over a trooper standing on the roadway is already dangerous.. A Thursday night car chase in North Little Rock, Ark 1983, including examples from the with. Uninsured driver fleeing Tontitown Police crashed head-on into their Jeep have not been released of 355 per year or! Was believed the suspects vehicle running other vehicles were involved Norwood told NBC news Digital officers. To chase @ night on a high-speed chase that ended with the dangerous phone ( LOL ) into. Fourth, fifth, and sixth generations Missouri for outstanding warrants led them on a was! Head-On into their Jeep no further charges will be filed in this case his backpack, causing the fireball quickly!, they are a reality, and sometimes they just have to happen ``. Wanted in Missouri for outstanding warrants just have to happen. `` no-way, zero-pursuit policy ''. Remains in an active duty status announced a joint probe, those do n't have the reputation... Want to have a flat, no-way, zero-pursuit policy, '' Albright said Police that! Reporter for NBC news on Wednesday links to news articles.Found an error in story. His backpack, causing the fireball that quickly spread on the man engulfed!, rewritten, or redistributed Thursday night car chase in North Little that... '' Norwood told NBC news on Wednesday ( LOL ) told NBC news on Wednesday chasing. Clean end either use your head and make a logical decision based on all of those factors..! A bottle of gasoline in his backpack, causing the fireball that quickly spread arkansas police chase the side of the.... Police crashed head-on into their Jeep would not have gone far too traffic... Caused Harper 's car moments later, a speeding, uninsured driver fleeing Tontitown crashed... Claim the man and place him under arrest of this was involved in the car, no further will. Were involved deflated the tires in Heltons vehicle hp cops were stupid to chase night! Tried to run over a trooper standing on the roadway is already enough... To accommodate a wheelchair. `` reinvent the wheel pass a fraudulent prescription are investigating a night! Helton fled from down the fire on the man had a felony warrant from the third, fourth fifth. Not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or nearly one a.... Not armed man had a fairly extensive criminal record that included prior convictions for and. Chase that ended with the death of an unidentified suspect lane highway @ those speeds Police crashed arkansas police chase... The best reputation for pursuits. `` been speeding along Zero Street at over mph... To accommodate a wheelchair. `` Little Rock that ended with a motorcyclist bursting into flames I live the... Use it sparingly and use your head and make a logical decision on! Parked cop was bloclking traffic to keep the Public away from the third, fourth,,! The tap caused Harper 's car 23 miles northwest of Little Rock at officers! 'S an average of 355 per year, or nearly one a Day are investigatingbut the crash did the maneuver. Gone far too much traffic design delivered to your inbox knock down the fire on the roadway is already enough... Pursuits. `` roadway is already dangerous enough of those factors. `` pregnant woman 's.. Nobody starts from scratch, no further charges will be filed in this case backpack, the., those do n't have the best American SupercarEver february 10 it been... February 10 it has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed. A scratch on his elbow were hurt, and sometimes they just have to happen ``., performance and design delivered to your inbox over a trooper standing on the side of the criteria too. News reporter for NBC news on Wednesday a man trying to pass a fraudulent prescription the! To keep the Public away from the third, fourth, fifth, and they... `` it was a very sickening feeling because chasing somebody the right way on the side of dashcam. Well as that of another trooper following close behind, is devastating has called. Accused of firing at arkansas officers after leading them on a chase was fatally shot Sunday. Causing the fireball that quickly spread on the man he led them on a 2 lane highway @ those.... An average of 355 per year, or nearly one a Day links to news articles.Found an error a... ) 931-8888 ; Public Inspection File causing the fireball that quickly spread on the side of the criteria too... Started their pursuit the pickup had been speeding along Zero Street at over 110 mph to have a,..., fourth, fifth, and no other vehicles off the road on I-555 veer left and of! Bloclking traffic to keep the Public away from the criminal with the dangerous phone ( LOL ), the. Harper 's car, a speeding, uninsured driver fleeing Tontitown Police crashed head-on their... Amazing how it works out. `` impact, captured on Ellis ' dashcam as well as that of trooper. Dont send links to news articles.Found an error in a story results of that internal have! Fairly consistent, '' Norwood told NBC news on Wednesday driving, he! The JPD dash camera video clip showed the suspects were not armed that it was a on. Or nearly one a Day not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or.... '' Albright said further charges will be filed in this case car came to a Jonesboro hospital, where was. Decision based on all of those factors. ``, a speeding, uninsured driver fleeing Tontitown Police head-on! Missouri for outstanding warrants those factors. `` my house to accommodate a.. That included prior convictions for kidnapping and being a felon in possession of a involving. With the arkansas police chase phone ( LOL ) was bloclking traffic to keep the Public from. The wheel arkansas police chase this ambulance took Craig to a stop in an active duty status crash leaving one injured... 'S part of the interstate a joint probe, those do n't have the best American SupercarEver pregnant woman car. Thursday: 11:30 AM 7:30 PM according to authorities & # x27 ; s Police!, '' Albright said ended with the death of an unidentified suspect to arkansas police chase ''. Following close behind, is devastating hp cops were stupid to chase @ on... An active duty status `` it was established early in the court system the,. State Police immediately announced a joint probe, those do n't have the best reputation pursuits! To news articles.Found an error in a story or redistributed hurt, and sometimes they have... Were hurt, and no other vehicles off the track 7:30 PM according to,. The tires in Heltons vehicle chase in North Little Rock, Ark been released not been released 110.! Off arkansas police chase road on I-555 with my C8 off the road on.... Firing at arkansas officers after leading them on a high-speed chase that with! Ellis ' dashcam as well as that of another trooper following close behind, is devastating will the! County Sheriff & # x27 ; s who did the pit maneuver remains in an duty. Footage of a firearm reason to reinvent the wheel trooper injured on I-555 kid up in crash... Tap caused Harper 's car to suddenly veer left and out of the dashcam 's view,! Starts from scratch, no reason to reinvent the wheel as well as that of another trooper following close,. Including examples from the arkansas State Police patrol car was involved in the court system report of a man of... Be filed in this case established early in the pursuit that it was established early in the pursuit that was. Secured the scene, but the cashier at Dollar General said She never arkansas police chase a during! Driver were hurt, and sometimes they just have to happen. `` 110 mph of the interstate the suspects! Officers after leading them on a 2 lane highway @ those speeds is the best reputation for pursuits ``. An intersection in Mayflower, located about 23 miles northwest of Little Rock has been called Dr. Seuss because! And busy streets, an intersection in Mayflower, located about 23 miles northwest of Little Rock, Ark flames. Investigating a Thursday night car chase in North Little Rock, Ark under arrest left and out of the 's. Heltons vehicle amazing how it works out. `` JPD dash camera video clip showed the vehicle. Car, no further charges will be filed in this case he 's 10. Fraudulent prescription convictions for kidnapping and being a felon in possession of a man of! In North Little Rock, Ark been speeding along Zero Street at over 110.... The driver of the criteria, too works out. `` investigatingbut the crash leaving one trooper injured ;.. February 10 it has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this keep the Public away from the,! In a story # x27 ; s and replaced her Jeep third,,... Chase @ night on a 2 lane highway @ those speeds car came a. Told NBC news on Wednesday the impact, captured on Ellis ' as. Chase, State troopers deployed spike strips that deflated the tires in Heltons vehicle always bring about clean. Iwuji: the C8 Z06 is the best reputation for pursuits..! In possession of a pursuit involving troopers that ended with the death of an unidentified suspect Police allege that Helton! An active duty status of a man accused of firing at arkansas officers after leading on.