Arkansas – An Arkansas State Police trooper encountered resistance during a traffic stop on Interstate 55 on Aug. 27, when a man being taken into custody allegedly attempted to reach for the trooper’s firearm before fleeing the scene.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. near the 56-mile marker of I-55, when the trooper stopped a blue Chevrolet Equinox for a traffic violation.
During the stop, the trooper attempted to take the driver, Pedro Gonzalez, 36, of Luxora, into custody because of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer. According to Arkansas State Police, Gonzalez refused to comply and resisted arrest.
During the ensuing struggle, Gonzalez allegedly attempted to reach for the trooper’s firearm. The two front- and rear-seat passengers then exited the vehicle and fled into a nearby wooded area. Gonzalez subsequently escaped custody and also fled.
Personnel from the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, Blytheville Police Department, Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, ASP Air 4, Osceola Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Arkansas Department of Corrections responded to assist in the search.
All three individuals were located approximately 200 yards from the traffic stop, where authorities found them hiding along a ditch embankment.
Gonzalez was treated at a Little Rock hospital for injuries sustained during the incident before being transported to the Mississippi County Detention Center. He was booked on charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing, resisting arrest, no proof of insurance and no driver’s license.
The trooper was not injured.
Passenger Hermelinda Perez Hernandez, 38, of Mexico, was charged with obstruction and fleeing. Passenger Bersaino Gonzalez, 39, of Mexico, was charged with fleeing.
Arkansas State Police said the investigation remained ongoing and that no additional information was being released.