Police: Driver leads officers on high-speed chase on I-430, I-630, almost strikes state police trooper

James C. Arnold, 41, of Helena
James C. Arnold, 41, of Helena

After fleeing from a central Arkansas police officer Monday, a man in a pickup evaded state troopers in a high-speed chase along two interstates until he was stopped in Little Rock, police said.

Around 7:30 p.m., a North Little Rock police officer tried to pull over a black Ram truck for failing to use a turn signal at the Counts Massie Road and Maumelle Boulevard intersection, according to a police report.

The Ram driver didn't stop and the vehicle continued onto Interstate 430 south, accelerating to "well over 120 mph" in moderate traffic, the report said.

While following the truck over the Arkansas River bridge, the officer watched as a black handgun was tossed out of the vehicle and onto the structure, authorities said, noting the high speeds showed the driver was exhibiting "extreme indifference to the value of human life."

"Due to this," the officer wrote, "North Little Rock Police then terminated the pursuit."

According to the department's pursuit policy, North Little Rock officers are ordered to stop following a fleeing vehicle for several reasons, including when there is "clear and unreasonable danger to the officer, fleeing suspect or any other persons."

"This may be due to excessive speed, reckless driving techniques or erratic driving by the suspect that exceeds the performance capabilities of the vehicles or drivers," the policy says.

Arkansas State Police troopers reportedly took over the chase and followed the Ram south on I-430 then onto Interstate 630.

During the state police pursuit, the fleeing driver tried to ram a patrol car driven by trooper Christina Johnson as she tried to box it in several times, the report said. At each maneuver, the Ram swerved into her lane, causing her to "slam her brakes" to avoid getting hit, the report said.

When the Ram exited onto John Barrow Road, troopers used an "intervention technique" which disabled the vehicle, the report said.

The driver was identified as 41-year-old James C. Arnold of Helena.

He faces charges of fleeing and aggravated assault and is being held at the Pulaski County jail without bail.

A court date is scheduled for Tuesday.

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