FORREST CITY, Ark. – On the night of Oct. 24, Arkansas State Police trooper David Bennett engaged in a high‑speed pursuit of a silver Kia Sorento that had failed to stop at several traffic controls. The chase wound through the Forrest City Civic Center parking lot, across railroad tracks and onto city streets, ultimately resulting in damage to Bennett’s patrol vehicle.

Details of the pursuit

According to the incident report, Bennett first observed the Sorento around 11:46 p.m. after noting that its passenger‑side brake light was not functioning. When he attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver ignored the stop, allowing the SUV to continue down Mississippi Street before accelerating away as Bennett exited his patrol car.

The report states the SUV ran multiple stop signs, briefly left the roadway on West Buford Street, and even became airborne while crossing the railroad tracks. Near Hodges Street, Bennett used the front bumper of his patrol vehicle to strike the rear of the Sorento, causing it to spin off the road before it fled the scene again.

Trooper’s vehicle damage

While repositioning his patrol car to retrieve his radio microphone, Bennett collided with a road sign and subsequently a tree. Both impacts caused damage to the patrol vehicle, which was later documented in the report.

Arrest and charges

After the chase, Bennett returned to the scene and found two passengers standing near the abandoned SUV. He discovered an Arkansas identification card in the driver’s seat bearing the name Ray Vern Thomas Jr., 27. One of the passengers identified Thomas as the driver.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Hobbs approved felony charges against Thomas on Oct. 25. The charges include fleeing in a vehicle, fleeing on foot, obstructing governmental operations, reckless driving, failure to obey a stop sign, and a vehicle lighting violation.

Legal process

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Kia Sorento was towed from the scene, and the two passengers were released pending further investigation.

Community impact

This incident underscores the challenges faced by local law‑enforcement officers in maintaining public safety on Arkansas roadways. Trooper Bennett’s quick response and the subsequent legal action demonstrate the state’s commitment to holding dangerous drivers accountable, thereby protecting families and neighborhoods throughout Forrest City and the surrounding region.

Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.