FORREST CITY, Ark. — Three children were in an SUV struck twice by an Arkansas State Police (ASP) trooper during a pursuit in Forrest City on September 7 before the driver fled on foot, leaving the vehicle to roll into a parked car, according to a newly released ASP report.
The driver, identified by Trooper Blake Davis as Khadjah Levontary Hamilton of Forrest City, ran from the scene after the second impact and was not arrested. The ASP report indicates that affidavits and warrants related to the incident were awaiting approval from the St. Francis County prosecutor.
The pursuit began at approximately 9:49 p.m. when Davis attempted to stop a brown Chevrolet Tahoe on Newcastle Road. In his report, Davis stated that he observed the vehicle cross the road's edge line. After he activated his emergency lights, the driver initially pulled into a residential driveway, drove through the yard, and returned to Newcastle Road heading north before turning east onto Indian Hills Road.
Davis wrote that he activated his siren and the SUV accelerated to 58 mph in a 15 mph zone. Knowing Indian Hills Road was a dead end and that the area had significant pedestrian traffic, he described executing a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI). Using the front-right bumper of his patrol car, he struck the SUV’s rear-left portion as it entered an apartment complex.
The vehicle regained control and continued through the complex. Davis then struck the rear of the SUV again as it was coming to a stop, which he said caused minimal damage. The report states that the driver exited the Tahoe as it rolled forward, ultimately colliding with a parked vehicle and causing further damage.
At that point, Davis noted movement inside the SUV and ordered the occupants to exit. Three children emerged from the vehicle. EMSA evaluated the children at the scene and found no injuries, according to Davis's report. He reassured the visibly frightened children, telling them, “You’re not in any trouble, I promise,” according to dashcam footage released with the report.
One child reportedly identified the driver as his mother. ASP redacted the children’s identities in the footage to protect their privacy. Davis said he later found identification and a cellphone inside the vehicle, further confirming the driver’s identity as Hamilton.
After the children were evaluated, they were released to the custody of an adult. ASP also contacted the Arkansas State Police Child Abuse Hotline to report the incident.
The report lists suspected offenses including fleeing by vehicle, three counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, criminal mischief, fleeing on foot, reckless driving, and speeding more than 15 mph over the limit. It does not state whether Hamilton was formally charged or if warrants had been issued.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.