Fort Smith, Ark – A police chase on Interstate 40 in Johnson County, Arkansas, ended in tragedy on the evening of December 24, 2024, when a 33-year-old man died after crashing his vehicle during the pursuit. According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP), the incident began when troopers attempted to stop the man, who was wanted in Virginia on charges including fleeing from law enforcement, providing false identification, and possessing a controlled substance.
At around 8:30 p.m., authorities reported that the suspect was driving at an excessive speed of 98 miles per hour on I-40. After being pulled over, the man allegedly gave a false name to officers before fleeing the scene, prompting a high-speed chase.
The pursuit came to a sudden end when an ASP trooper used a Tactical Vehicle Maneuver (TVI), forcing the suspect’s vehicle off the road. The car crashed into a wooded area, and the man sustained fatal injuries from the collision.
Authorities found several items near the crash site, including a loaded handgun, drug paraphernalia, and 4.9 ounces of cocaine. The suspect, whose identity has not been immediately released, was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement, ASP Colonel Mike Hagar expressed condolences over the loss of life but underscored the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement. “Fleeing from law enforcement is reckless and has serious consequences,” Hagar said. “Although we regret any loss of life, ASP Troopers will always put the lives of innocent motorists first.”
The incident occurred between Clarksville and Lamar, along a stretch of I-40. The ASP is continuing to investigate the details of the crash and the events leading up to it.