An Arkansas State Police trooper used a tactical vehicle intervention to bring a felony suspect into custody following a vehicle pursuit through Blytheville on the evening of Aug. 21.

The incident began around 5:23 p.m. near East Moultrie Drive and First Street, according to an Arkansas State Police incident report. Trooper Carter Lazenby initiated a traffic stop on a black Ford Fusion driven by 44-year-old Tylon C. King of Gosnell, who had active felony warrants from the Blytheville Police Department. When approached, King allegedly fled east on East Moultrie Drive, passing multiple vehicles and disregarding a stop sign despite heavy traffic.

Near North Lockard Street, Lazenby attempted a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) to halt the pursuit. The report states that King applied his brakes abruptly during the maneuver, causing his vehicle to sideswipe the patrol car and damage the trooper's vehicle. A second TVI attempt at approximately 36 mph successfully brought King’s vehicle to a stop. King was taken into custody without further incident following a felony takedown.

King reportedly complained of head pain and had a minor scratch on his face. Emergency medical personnel from Pafford EMS assessed him at the scene and cleared him for transport to the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office.

During a search of King’s vehicle, investigators allegedly found a black bag containing approximately half a gram of suspected methamphetamine, 29 pills believed to be Xanax, 3 grams of marijuana, rolling papers, and five cut straws consistent with drug use. An open alcohol container was also located on the passenger-side floorboard. Authorities seized seven cellphones and a tablet found in the car, turning them over to the 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force.

Once in custody, King appeared lethargic and was reportedly unable to perform standardized field sobriety tests. He signed a statement of rights but declined to submit to a chemical test for alcohol or controlled substances.

King was booked on several charges including felony fleeing in a vehicle, first-degree reckless driving, tampering with physical evidence, possession of controlled substances, first-offense DWI involving drugs, refusal to submit to a chemical test, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of an open container, and multiple traffic violations.

King is currently awaiting a probable cause hearing. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.