Little Rock, Ark. – On the night of July 31, Arkansas State Police (ASP) responded to a dangerous high‑speed pursuit that began near the I‑40/I‑30 interchange. Trooper James Booth observed a white Kia Optima traveling left of center and failing to maintain control. After attempting a traffic stop, the driver, identified as 27‑year‑old Patrick Johns of Jacksonville, refused to stop and accelerated onto the shoulder.
Escalation of the chase
Booth pursued the Kia onto westbound I‑630, where Johns weaved through traffic at speeds exceeding 100 mph, narrowly avoiding collisions with other motorists. The chase continued onto University Avenue, where Johns allegedly ran a red light at Cantrell Road, turned east, and drove in the opposing lane, putting nearby residents at risk.
Tactical vehicle intervention
As the pursuit entered a populated area on Friday night, Booth requested authorization for a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI), a maneuver used by ASP to safely end dangerous chases. Booth made contact with the driver’s side rear of the Kia near Club 1836 on Cantrell Road. The impact caused the vehicle to leave the roadway, overturn, and strike a power‑pole cable, brick terraces, and the club’s sign.
Driver ejected and medical response
The force of the crash ejected Johns from the vehicle. He was found lying on his chest and was later transported to UAMS Medical Center with injuries described as non‑life‑threatening. Little Rock police officers and additional state troopers secured the scene until emergency medical personnel arrived.
Evidence and charges
Investigators searched the vehicle and surrounding area, discovering a brightly colored package suspected to contain marijuana, a rolled blunt, and an open bottle of tequila. The ASP report lists several charges against Johns, including fleeing a vehicle while exceeding the speed limit, unauthorized use of a vehicle, second‑degree criminal mischief (damage exceeding $5,000), possession of less than 4 ounces of a Schedule VI controlled substance, driving left of center, failure to wear a seat belt, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. As always, Johns is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Public‑safety implications
This incident underscores the importance of swift, decisive action by law‑enforcement when public safety is threatened. The TVI technique, employed by ASP troopers, provides a controlled method to end high‑risk pursuits while minimizing danger to bystanders. Residents of Little Rock and the surrounding area can take reassurance that state officers are equipped with the tools and training needed to protect the community.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the chase and will release further details as the case proceeds through the legal system.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
