JACKSON COUNTY, Ark. — A 21-year-old man from Jonesboro was taken into custody following a high-speed incident on Interstate 57 in Jackson County, Arkansas, during which he allegedly fled from a state trooper.
The Arkansas State Police (ASP) reported that Malachi J. Beason was arrested on September 18 after Cpl. Jeff Richardson used a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) to stop the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Beason was driving. According to Richardson's incident report, the truck rotated clockwise during the maneuver but Beason regained control and stopped on the shoulder of the road before being taken into custody without further issues.
The incident began when Richardson, patrolling northbound traffic at around 4:59 p.m., reportedly clocked a southbound vehicle traveling at 90 mph in a 75 mph speed zone. After turning around to pursue the truck, Richardson’s radar confirmed the vehicle had slowed to 88 mph. He eventually caught up near mile marker 87, south of the I-57 exit ramp.
Beason initially appeared to comply by taking the exit ramp and slowing down. However, Richardson reported that Beason continued driving, failed to stop at a stop sign, and made multiple turns that eventually brought him back onto the interstate’s northbound entrance ramp. As Richardson closed in, Beason abruptly braked and came to a stop on the shoulder near the interstate.
Richardson instructed Beason to “put it in park and shut it off” using the patrol vehicle’s public address system, according to the report. While Richardson was stepping out of his patrol vehicle, Beason allegedly spun the truck’s tires and sped away, reentering the interstate in the left lane.
Richardson then attempted a TVI maneuver but reported that Beason tried to disrupt it by braking suddenly, causing the trooper also to brake. The maneuver was successful on his next attempt, bringing the vehicle to a stop.
The Silverado was towed by Reynolds Towing of Jackson County, with a hold placed on the vehicle pending the presentation of a valid driver’s license and proof of ownership. Beason is expected to face charges including reckless driving and fleeing. Court records related to the case were not immediately available as of publication.