A dramatic high-speed pursuit unfolded in Blytheville, Arkansas, as law enforcement officers engaged in a chase that reached speeds exceeding 120 mph. The incident, which took place on May 14, began when the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office pursued a white passenger vehicle traveling northbound on U.S. 61 through Luxora. The vehicle was reportedly speeding in a 55 mph zone, prompting a swift response from local authorities.

Pursuit Details

According to an Arkansas State Police incident report, Trooper First Class Blaine Middlecoff was stationed on the Big Lake bridge near Manila when he was alerted to the pursuit. He quickly activated his emergency lights and siren, heading toward Blytheville to assist. By the time Trooper Middlecoff took the lead in the chase, the vehicle had slowed down significantly due to spike strips deployed by the Blytheville Police Department.

The pursuit continued through various locations, including the Farm Bureau parking lot and a field behind the Department of Human Services building. Despite attempts to stop the vehicle, including a failed Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) by a Blytheville police unit, the driver managed to evade capture initially.

Resolution and Arrest

Trooper Middlecoff attempted two more TVIs, with the third maneuver successfully disabling the vehicle by striking its passenger side and deploying the airbags. Blytheville police units then boxed in the vehicle, leading to the arrest of the driver, identified as Skhori Cannon.

Upon questioning, Cannon claimed he fled because family members were being shot at in Gosnell. However, the Gosnell Police Department reported no such incidents. Cannon was subsequently taken to the Mississippi County Detention Center and charged with multiple offenses, including fleeing in a vehicle, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license, among others.

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in ensuring public safety during high-speed pursuits. The swift and coordinated response by multiple agencies in this case underscores the importance of community safety and the rule of law.

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