CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ark. — A Memphis man is facing multiple charges after Arkansas State Police (ASP) say he fled from a traffic stop at triple-digit speeds, prompting a high-speed pursuit that ended with a tactical vehicle maneuver.
The incident occurred on the evening of Aug. 8 along Interstate 55 in Crittenden County, according to an ASP incident report. The driver, identified as 44-year-old Kelly M. Williams of Memphis, was arrested after the chase.
Shortly after 8 p.m., Trooper Hunter Hill observed a silver Honda Insight entering the northbound lanes of I-55 near the 10-mile marker at an alleged speed of 95 mph in a 75 mph zone, the report stated. Hill pursued the car and signaled for a traffic stop near the 12-mile marker. The vehicle initially pulled onto the shoulder, but as Hill approached on foot, police say the driver sped off.
The ensuing pursuit saw the Honda reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph, weaving through traffic, and nearly colliding with another vehicle. Near Exit 14, the suspect reportedly veered onto an off-ramp, crowding another motorist before driving the wrong way on a service road and later re-entering the interstate. Hill noted heavy traffic ahead and executed a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) to end the pursuit, according to the incident report.
The maneuver forced the Honda off the roadway and into a cable barrier. Although the vehicle continued briefly onto a service road, it eventually stopped with significant damage. Hill’s patrol unit also came into contact with the cable barrier, resulting in visible scratches.
Backup arrived in the form of Trooper Rafael Garcia, who ordered the driver out of the car. Williams was arrested without further incident and taken to the Crittenden County Detention Center. Authorities reported that the Honda sustained approximately $20,000 in damage, with additional damages estimated at $2,280 to the patrol vehicle and $1,000 to the Arkansas Department of Transportation's cable barrier system.
At the detention center, Hill performed the horizontal gaze nystagmus component of a field sobriety test, which reportedly showed all six indicators of impairment. However, additional tests were not conducted as Williams cited a prior leg injury from a gunshot wound.
Williams was subsequently charged with vehicular fleeing, first-degree criminal mischief, first-offense drug DWI, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, driving without insurance, speeding more than 15 mph over the limit, and following too closely.
Authorities indicated they intend to seek restitution for damages incurred during the pursuit.
No injuries to other motorists or law enforcement officers were reported. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.