WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — A 43-year-old West Memphis man lost his life on Dec. 19 following a high-speed pursuit on eastbound Interstate 40 near the 284-mile marker.
The Arkansas State Police reported that the individual sustained fatal injuries in a wreck that ensued during the pursuit around 11:50 a.m.
The pursuit began when an Arkansas State Police Trooper, assisting a drug task force in West Memphis, engaged in pursuit of a fleeing suspect wanted on multiple felony warrants. As the trooper was preparing to perform a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), the suspect, driving at a speed of 140 mph, abruptly applied the brakes, resulting in a collision.
The suspect’s vehicle ultimately came to a stop at the base of an embankment beyond the south shoulder of the interstate.
Mario Paige, 43, died as a result of injuries he sustained. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle, police said.
Col. Mike Hagar of the Arkansas State Police stated, “The suspect was driving recklessly and endangering the public by traveling at high speeds, passing on the shoulder, and nearly causing collisions with other vehicles. Although any loss of life is regrettable, we are grateful that our Trooper and other motorists escaped injury.”
The incident caused the Trooper to collide with a commercial vehicle, resulting in minor injuries to the Trooper. He was placed on paid administrative leave while ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division investigates the incident.
The Arkansas State Police urges anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division.
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