West Memphis, Ark. — A routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 escalated into a high-speed pursuit late on Aug. 24, as a driver allegedly fled from Arkansas State Police, turned off the vehicle’s lights, and crossed into Tennessee at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
According to a report by Trooper First Class Gunner Fultz, the incident began at approximately 11:36 p.m. near the 283-mile marker in Crittenden County when he spotted a blue sedan traveling 81 mph in a 65 mph zone. Fultz initiated a stop, activating his emergency lights and siren.
The driver eventually pulled over near the 284-mile marker but did not comply with instructions to put the car in park. Instead, the man leaned his head out of the window and stated that he couldn’t hear the trooper. Moments later, Fultz reported that the driver sped away, prompting a pursuit.
The sedan allegedly reached "well over 100 mph" as the driver turned off the vehicle’s lights and maneuvered dangerously through traffic. Fultz was unable to stop the car before it crossed the Mississippi River into downtown Memphis, where he terminated the chase at the Tennessee state line. The trooper noted that he observed the vehicle continuing south on Front Street without headlights.
Later that evening, Fultz encountered the same vehicle, a dark blue 2020 Toyota Camry, at the scene of a crash on Front Street in Memphis. The site was being secured by Memphis police and emergency responders. According to the report, the driver had fled the accident scene before law enforcement arrived.
Inside the abandoned Camry, police discovered a Glock pistol, about five grams of marijuana, and a bill of sale containing identifying information. Fultz stated that he ran the name found on the document, identifying the suspect as Juan Vertiz, a Fort Smith resident. He also recognized Vertiz as the driver from the earlier pursuit.
Memphis police took possession of the vehicle and the evidence collected from the scene. According to the report, Arkansas State Police are in the process of issuing warrants for Vertiz on several charges, including fleeing, reckless driving, improper lane change, no headlamps, and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.