WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — A 20-year-old man from Little Rock faces a felony charge after leading Arkansas State Police on a pursuit through a construction zone that ended with a tactical vehicle intervention and the use of a Taser, according to an incident report.
The driver, identified as James C. Stevenson, was pursued by Trooper Damion Potts on the night of Oct. 15. At approximately 10:09 p.m., dispatch from Troop D alerted troopers about a silver 2006 Ford Explorer on Interstate 40 near mile marker 260. According to the report, the driver of the SUV had made remarks suggesting he intended to harm himself.
Potts located the vehicle near mile marker 271 and observed it swerving, repeatedly turning its headlights on and off, and crossing the outside fog line. The trooper reported pacing the SUV at 85 mph in a 65 mph zone before notifying Trooper Billy Puckett to assist in the pursuit.
The pursuit intensified when Potts activated his emergency lights and siren. According to the report, the SUV initially slowed in the left lane but then accelerated, moved into the right lane, and entered a closed construction lane. The driver exited I-40 at mile marker 278 and continued onto the East Service Road, reaching speeds of 65 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Potts attempted a tactical vehicle intervention to stop Stevenson, striking the passenger-side rear fender on his second attempt and causing the SUV to spin and stop on the shoulder of the service road.
After stopping, Stevenson exited the vehicle and began walking in the roadway. Both troopers reported that Stevenson ignored commands to get on the ground and instead walked toward them. Potts deployed his Taser, striking Stevenson and achieving what the report described as “neuromuscular incapacitation.”
Stevenson was taken into custody and placed in hand restraints. Paramedics were summoned to evaluate him for injuries. Potts noted head injuries from Stevenson hitting the roadway and marks from the Taser probes. Stevenson was first taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden for evaluation before being transferred to Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee. The report does not specify the reason for the transfer.
During a search of the vehicle, both troopers reported finding glass pipes with burnt residue, although their accounts varied on the number. Potts listed two pipes in the evidence inventory, while Puckett reported three.
The driver now faces multiple charges, including felony fleeing in a vehicle while exceeding the speed limit, a Class D felony; possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; and refusal to submit to arrest, a Class B misdemeanor. Additional alleged violations include reckless driving, speeding more than 15 mph over the limit, driving without lights at night, and unsafe lane changes.
The incident caused minor damage to both rear sides of Stevenson’s SUV during the intervention maneuver. Potts reported that his patrol vehicle was undamaged.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.