A 33-year-old man from Hampton, Virginia, died Tuesday night after an Arkansas State Police trooper used a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver to stop his fleeing vehicle on Interstate 40, officials said.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. near the 61-mile marker westbound. The suspect’s 2006 Honda Pilot left the roadway during the maneuver, entered a wooded area north of the interstate, and struck multiple trees before coming to a stop, according to state police.
The pursuit began when the trooper stopped the vehicle for speeding at 98 mph near the 66-mile marker. Police said the suspect gave a false name and date of birth during the stop. He was later identified as being wanted in Virginia for fleeing, providing false identification, and possessing a controlled substance.
A search revealed a loaded handgun and drug paraphernalia in the suspect’s pockets, as well as a taser and 4.9 ounces of cocaine inside the vehicle, police said.
“Fleeing from law enforcement is reckless and has serious consequences,” Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar said. “Although we regret any loss of life, ASP troopers will always put the lives of innocent motorists first.”
The suspect’s body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab. The incident remains under investigation by the State Police Criminal Investigation Division.
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