Police near Little Rock, Arkansas, fatally shot a suspect who apparently fired shots at them during a chase. At about 10:30 a.m., an officer with Arkansas Highway Police stopped a car on I-40 near Mulberry.. 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. The Arkansas State Police is conducting an internal review and investigation into the death of a Kentucky man who fled from an Arkansas State Trooper yesterday (Sunday, July 24th) during a pursuit . All rights reserved. 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. 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. Staggs said she's thought about what happened a lot during the months of recovery. Cops chased because they knew he had money and if he was killed in the chase their names would be in the paper. All agencies said, the call came in as an armed robbery, and given the suspects' reaction in traffic, they continued the chase. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. A Van Buren driver died after a police pursuit ended in a crash Friday morning, according to Arkansas State Police Public Information Officer, Bill Sadler. McInnis said the key factor is whether there is a danger to the public, like a highly intoxicated driver or a violent felon who could put somebody's life in danger. "You can't sue a police department or anything, and this guy that hit us was out on parole, he'd already been in trouble with the law," Staggs said. ", "This happened March 6, and I was in the hospital for 12 days. Arkansas State Police immediately announced a joint probe, those don't always bring about a clean end either. The original charges were manufacturing a controlled substance, kidnapping and being a felon in possession of a firearm. That's an average of 355 per year, or nearly one a day. 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. The force of the impact caused the Jeep to spin about 270 degrees and strike a third vehicle in Superior Chevrolet's car lot. Arkansas State Police allege that Scotty Helton fled from Faulkner County deputies around 1 a.m. after they had tried to make a traffic stop for reckless and erratic driving. "It's essentially a bowling alley with bumpers on both sides," Norwood said. This particular section of Zero Street (SH255) is a four-lane roadway, divided by a continuous center turn lane and was at the peak of a hill crest. The driver, 35-year-old Lakita Davis, did not survive the crash. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Battenfield died in the crash. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Hes being held in the Lawrence County Jail. The suspects vehicle was flipped upside down with four people inside. He's owned 10 Corvettes since 1983, including examples from the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generations. Arkansas State Police allege that Scotty Helton fled from Faulkner County deputies around 1 a.m. after they had tried to make a traffic stop for reckless and erratic driving. Copyright 2020 KAIT. The Arkansas State Police has released footage of a pursuit involving troopers that ended with a motorcyclist bursting into flames. According to police, Thibodaux police officers, Assumption Parish sheriff's deputies and other agencies were involved in a chase with a person who jumped in Bayou Lafourche. 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. 2022Recurrent Ventures. 19M views 2 years ago A few moments of this footage have been widely circulated, largely without context. Of those deaths, 88 were law enforcement officers, 4,637 were in the vehicle being chased, 2,088 were in a vehicle not involved and 277 were bystanders. Lubbock Police released a statement and the name of the person arrested after a police chase ended with a crash early Saturday. "If a city car hits somebody, then that's easy. Battenfield sustained fatal injuries and I sustained multiple serious injuries.\"~~~/r/realworldpolice@realworldpolice~~~Real World Police is a proud supporter of The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which provides pro bono legal representation, amicus curiae support, and other legal resources to protect the First Amendment freedoms and the news gathering rights of journalists. That investigation is still ongoing; however, the department issued a statement to KFSM Newsthis week generally defending the use of the PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver, where an officer purposefully spins out a fleeing suspect by ramming one of the car's rear fenders. But it is probably a lot of fun to run flat out with the lights and sirens blaring and expecting everyone to see you and get out of your way. His goal is to own first, second, and seventh generation cars someday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Now they have a wreaked Corvette and could have had other victims as well. He now faces charges in Arkansas for felony fleeing, reckless driving, exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 15 miles per hour, possession of drug paraphernalia, expired license plate, and driving left of center. "If we find out their reason for a stop was some teenage kid blew through a stop sign, well, you'll get them later. "Fourteen, get up there and get him stopped, because he's driving on the wrongon the other side of the road and we need to get him stopped," an ASP supervisor can be heard saying on dashcam video released by authorities. There is no way I would get in a ford suv or dodge charger & go 130 mph! 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. (AP) A man accused of firing at Arkansas officers after leading them on a chase was fatally shot early Sunday, according to authorities. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. 2 hrs ago. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Email corrections@realworldpolice.com or redistributed. It is not intended to shock.From the report of Trooper Shawn Ellis, lightly edited for clarity:On April 10, 2020, at approximately 6:40 AM, Troop H dispatch advised that Sebastian County Sheriffs Office was requesting assistance with a pursuit. A man accused of firing at Arkansas officers after leading them on a chase was fatally shot early Sunday, according to authorities. FBI Raids Chinese-Owned Auto Supplier that Makes Aluminum Wheels for GM Vehicles, This younger generation..they will lose their minds but NOT their phones. Cities and counties have only a limited responsibility to pay for collateral damage resulting from police pursuits, typically about $25,000. Pursuit policies vary, but they're largely a judgment call based on the perceived risk. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Oh, my God. ALABAMA POLICE CHASE ENDS IN SUSPECT'S PASSENGER'S DEATH, Police near Little Rock, Arkansas, fatally shot a suspect who apparently fired shots at them during a chase. 1st of all, I respect law enforcement but I have never met a highway patrol officer that was not an ahole. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. This younger generation said by every previous generation. An Arkansas police officer was shot and killed Wednesday night while attempting to take a man into custody after a vehicle pursuit, according to a release from Arkansas State Police. Because we receive dozens of tips daily we cannot respond individually to every submission. Thursday: 11:30 AM 7:30 PM ASP investigators said the incident started just after 1 a.m. on October 13 when a trooper said he saw a black sport bike without a license plate on Asher Avenue in Little Rock and began a pursuit. The driver involved in a 20-mile police pursuit has died and an Arkansas State Police trooper was injured in the crash. MAYFLOWER, Ark. The pursuit was 2 minutes, 7 seconds long when the trooper tapped the back of Harper's car in a "pursuit intervention technique," more commonly known as a "PIT maneuver," the lawsuit said. Broken in three spots. 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. 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. Initially, AR Highway Police requested backup from State Police after checking on a black Chevy. Region 8 Investigates: ASP releases dash camera video in deadly chase, Trip to Mr. Ts pays off for lucky lottery winner, Jonesboro police investigating 2 reported shootings, Police investigating after student brings gun to school. The supervisor doesn't even finish speaking before Trooper Michael Shawn Ellis in a Dodge Charger Pursuit runs up along the right side of the Ram and PITs him at a GPS-recorded 109 mph. According to ASP, Craig is wanted in Missouri for outstanding warrants. "I always see the statistic that one person is gonna die every day so, somewhere over three sixty, four hundred, something like that. 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. Market data provided by Factset. Need help? 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. Stupid. ~~~Do you have independently verifiable inside information on a story we are or should be covering? Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. An officer said in the JPD body cam video to show me your hands, while another said, down on your knees.. JONESBORO, Ark. Arkansas State Police are investigating a Thursday night car chase in North Little Rock that ended with the death of an unidentified suspect. All rights reserved. Kieklak said the law can seem unfair when bystanders are injured. Props to the cops and that kid needs 2 yrs in county for this. It's amazing how it works out.". Alpert has been conducting research on high-risk police activities for more than 30 years. "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. 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. Whenever I teach anything about police use of force, I always discourage chases. Today, for the first time, Real World Police presents all of the footage associated with. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Some one could have been killed! That means every city and county is liable for car wrecks up to the minimum limits required by Arkansas law, $25,000, but is not liable for anything else, Kieklak said. Arkansas State Police allege that Scotty Helton fled from. During the chase, state troopers deployed spike strips that deflated the tires in Heltons vehicle. Get our daily recap of Corvette news delivered directly to your inbox. According to Russellville Police, the chase happened Thursday after authorities responded to a report of a man trying to pass a fraudulent prescription. The Ward County Sheriff's . Stuttgart, Arkansas police chase and exchange of gunfire leave 2 dead Recommended Stories HuffPost Now That Tucker Carlson Has Jan. 6 Footage, Majorie Taylor Greene Is Changing Her Tune The. The trooper immediately did a 180-degree turnaround and drove back to see the red SUV on its top, footage showed. Troopers were able to knock down the fire on the man and place him under arrest. Salinas also had a fairly extensive criminal record that included prior convictions for kidnapping and assault. In more populated areas, like Bentonville, police have more restrictions on when they pursue a suspect, according to Adam McInnis, public information officer. When the officer tried to stop Salinas near the Harmon Road intersection, Salinas hit the gas, heading west on U.S. 412 toward Siloam Springs. According to the Arkansas State Police incident report, the trooper said he was parked at the exit 24 overpass on I-530 when he saw the suspect, identified as 19 . Theyre in the trees. JPD officers immediately rushed down to the tree line with their guns drawn. The chase ended with a PIT maneuver by Arkansas State Police Trooper Tanner Middlecoff, which caused a womans death. While pursuing Battenfield, he traveled through several traffic lights and passed multiple vehicles while driving on the shoulder before turning east onto Zero Street. A female passenger jumped from the car shortly. Sadler's statement indicates Battenfield's dangerous driving convinced troopers that letting him go would've put more lives in jeopardythough whether or not he would've continued to drive at 110 mph on the wrong side of the road without police chasing him is a legitimate question with no easy answer. You pay the limits.". Fox News Flash top headlines for January 9. Legal Statement. I have met many cops that are not aholes. If a city or county is immune from tort that means if they're involved, no matter who gets hurt, how or why -- not a shooting or something on purpose like using a car as a weapon -- there's no recovery," Kieklak said. In another instance, the state trooper said Jonesboro dispatch needed more training when announcing an armed robbery or shoplifting. Footage obtained through the Freedom of Information Act appears to show troopers pursuing the motorcycle through the interstates and streets, with the bike appearing to head into oncoming traffic multiple times. As a result, both vehicles traveled off the roadway and into the east side ditch.Battenfields vehicle collided with a driveway culvert while overturning and my unit went airborne as it traveled over Battenfields vehicle. "Basically, I think your judges, juries and the Supreme Court, they don't really like it when someone ends up with nothing after they get hurt badly," Kieklak said. Arkansas State Police will submit the results of its investigation to prosecutors, who will decide whether the use of deadly force by officers was justified. Records from the Arkansas State Police show the man is facing multiple charges, including felony fleeing, first-degree reckless driving and driving on a suspended license. Now you have a motorist, a fleeing subject, that's now going the wrong way on the interstate at the same speed as he was going the right way on the interstate," Ray said later. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. A few moments of this footage have been widely circulated, largely without context. Just looked the kid up in the court system. Continue your conversation over the web, email or SMS. (KAIT) -A man faces multiple charges after police said he led them on a high-speed chase that ended with him slamming into a pole. The chase weaved through traffic and reached speeds of 110 mph. 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. PRAIRIE GROVE, Ark. Copyright 2022 KAIT. But, they are a reality, and sometimes they just have to happen.". 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. IE 11 is not supported. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Dash camera video showed Harper slowing down and turning on her hazard lights while looking for a safe place to pull off the road, which had concrete barriers alongside the highway. 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. I didnt get a good look at it. Get instant answers to hundreds of questions about government services. Bill Sadler, Public Information Officer for ASP, said it is the protocol for ASP to conduct an internal review in any use of force incident involving an officer. According to a post on Motorious, the suspect was borrowing his dad's Corvette when he was pulled over by the state police on July 25. 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