Arkansas State Police vs. Chevrolet Corvette - 150MPH pursuit ends w/ PIT maneuver in Missouri

Описание: Trooper's Report:

On June 15, 2026, at approximately 8:22 a.m., I, Trooper Arellano, was conducting traffic enforcement in the northbound lanes
of Interstate 55 just north of the 54-mile marker. I observed a red Chevrolet Corvette traveling northbound displaying a license
plate with a cover over it. I checked the plate status through the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) and observed that
the registration had expired in March 2026.

At the 55-mile marker, I positioned my patrol vehicle behind the Corvette and activated my emergency lights to conduct a traffic
stop regarding the registration violation. The vehicle did not slow down and continued traveling northbound at the same rate of
speed. I then activated my siren in an attempt to gain the driver's attention in case he had not seen my emergency lights.
After approximately 25 seconds, I observed smoke expel from the vehicle's exhaust as it accelerated rapidly. I immediately
notified Troop C Communications that I was in pursuit.

I continued pursuing the vehicle at an extremely high rate of speed. I maintained a steady front radar reading showing the
vehicle traveling in excess of 150 miles per hour and, at times, reaching speeds of up to 156 miles per hour. The vehicle
continued northbound across the Arkansas-Missouri state line. I immediately notified Troop C Communications that I was
crossing the state line.

Dispatch advised that Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers were staged near the 4-mile marker exit with tire
deflation devices. As I approached the 4-mile marker exit, I notified dispatch to advise the troopers that I was nearing their
location and to be prepared for the suspect vehicle's arrival. Upon reaching the area, I observed a marked law enforcement
vehicle positioned on the exit ramp with its emergency lights activated and an MSHP trooper retracting a tire deflation device
from the roadway. Dispatch subsequently advised that MSHP troopers had successfully deployed the device, resulting in the
deflation of the left-side tires on the suspect vehicle.

I continued the pursuit and maintained visual contact with the vehicle. A short time later, I observed a cloud of white smoke
coming from the rear of the vehicle as it slowed near the 8-mile marker exit. The vehicle exited eastbound onto Missouri State
Highway 164, and I continued behind it. I advised dispatch that the vehicle was exiting the interstate and appeared to be
slowing due to tire damage caused by the tire deflation device.

As I approached from the rear, I positioned my patrol vehicle to the right side of the suspect vehicle in preparation for a Tactical
Vehicle Intervention (TVI). The suspect vehicle suddenly braked, causing the front left portion of my patrol vehicle to make
contact with the rear right portion of the suspect vehicle. The collision disabled both vehicles. My patrol vehicle continued a
short distance eastbound before coming to a stop.

I looked into my driver's-side mirror and observed the driver exit the vehicle and run northbound through a field carrying a black
backpack. I pursued the suspect on foot for a short distance. The suspect, later identified as Jayden Smith, stopped running
and raised his hands after observing that I was closing the distance. I gave verbal commands ordering Mr. Smith to get on the
ground. Mr. Smith dropped the backpack and lay prone on the ground. I kicked the backpack out of his reach and took him into
custody as MSHP troopers arrived to assist.

After assessing the damage to my patrol vehicle, I searched the backpack carried by Mr. Smith. Inside, I located two Ram TRX
key fobs, one Dodge SRT key, and Mr. Smith's driver's license. An MSHP trooper placed Mr. Smith into a patrol vehicle for
transport. While being placed into the patrol vehicle, Mr. Smith stated that he was not worried about the Corvette because he
would simply buy another one. He also made additional statements indicating a lack of remorse for his actions.

Following the search of the backpack, I conducted a search of the Corvette. Inside the vehicle, I located a small plastic
container containing a clear baggie with a small amount of burnt green leafy substance suspected to be marijuana. I secured
the substance in my patrol vehicle. MSHP requested Sullivan's Towing of Caruthersville, Missouri, to tow the vehicle.

As a result of Mr. Smith's actions during this incident and the subsequent vehicle pursuit, damage was sustained to Arkansas
State Police property. The Arkansas State Police will be seeking restitution for damages incurred as a result of the pursuit and
Mr. Smith's actions.