LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A high-speed police pursuit in Little Rock on Wednesday night ended in tragedy when a red Infiniti crashed and caught fire, killing two passengers and leaving the 20-year-old driver injured, according to the Arkansas State Police (ASP).
Police Attempt Traffic Stop on Speeding Vehicle
Authorities say the incident began around 10:15 p.m. on October 29, when an ASP trooper spotted a red Infiniti speeding eastbound on Interstate 30 near the 133-mile marker. When the trooper attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver refused to comply and exited the highway at Geyer Springs Road.
The suspect then accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 mph, running through multiple red lights and narrowly avoiding other vehicles, according to the police report.
Pursuit Reaches Dangerous Speeds Over 130 MPH
The chase escalated as the Infiniti re-entered I-30 westbound, reportedly reaching speeds over 130 mph. The vehicle then took the McDaniel Drive exit and continued along a nearby service road, where the driver collided with another motorist, lost control, and crashed into heavy machinery at a local business.
Moments later, the vehicle burst into flames, trapping the passengers inside.
Two Killed, Driver Hospitalized
Arkansas State Police troopers rushed to the burning car, managing to pull one passenger from the wreckage. However, both passengers were later pronounced dead at the scene, officials confirmed.
The driver, identified only as a 20-year-old man from Little Rock, was ejected from the vehicle during the collision. He was transported to Baptist Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
The motorist who was hit during the chase was not injured, police said in a report.
Investigation Underway
The ASP Highway Patrol Division has launched a formal investigation into the deadly crash and the circumstances of the pursuit. Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased victims or the suspect driver.
Investigators say the cause of the crash and the exact reason for the suspect’s flight remain under review.
What are your thoughts on how police pursuits should be handled? Should officers continue chasing suspects at such high speeds, or are there safer alternatives?
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