Hazen, Ark. – On September 11, a dangerous pursuit on Interstate 40 near mile marker 193 was brought to a safe conclusion by Arkansas State Police troopers. Trooper Rafael Garcia reported that after spotting a silver 2010 Ford Focus with a missing driver‑side brake light, he initiated a traffic stop. The driver, identified as 30‑year‑old Anna Marie Seeman of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, provided a false name for the passenger, prompting Garcia to seek additional identification.
Tactical Vehicle Intervention
When Seeman attempted to flee, she accelerated westward on I‑40, weaving across lanes and traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph—well above the posted 75 mph limit. After waiting for traffic to clear, Garcia executed a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI). He used the front‑right portion of his patrol vehicle’s bumper to make contact with the suspect’s left‑rear fender. The impact caused the Ford to spin counter‑clockwise, strike the patrol car, and become lodged in the median.
Arrests and Charges
Both troopers, Garcia and Trooper Josh Middleton, secured the occupants and transported them to the Prairie County Jail. Seeman was placed on a probable‑cause hold and faces charges of fleeing in a vehicle, reckless driving, improper lane use, driving on a suspended license, and defective tail lamps. The passenger, identified as 28‑year‑old Matthew Arron Thomas Vittitow, was charged with obstructing governmental operations.
Damage Assessment
The incident report estimates $5,000 in damage to the suspect’s vehicle and $7,500 to the patrol car, along with damage to a cable barrier post. Emergency medical services were not called to assess the driver or passenger, according to the report.While the pursuit resulted in significant property damage, the swift action by Arkansas State Police prevented a potentially more hazardous outcome on a busy interstate corridor. The department’s use of TVI demonstrates a commitment to public safety while minimizing risk to other motorists.
Community Impact
Residents of Prairie County and surrounding areas are reminded that reckless driving endangers everyone on the road. Law‑enforcement officials encourage motorists to report unsafe behavior and to cooperate fully during traffic stops. The incident underscores the importance of vigilant policing in preserving the safety of Arkansas’s highways.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
