VIDEO: TVI Flips Van After 45-Minute Pursuit; Meth and Paraphernalia Seized, Report Says

RAVENDEN, Ark. — A pursuit that began in Lawrence County on Nov. 15 ended with a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), a rollover crash and the discovery of a large amount of suspected methamphetamine, according to law enforcement reports.

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The incident began when Ravenden Police Chief John Keding attempted to stop a blue Econoline van. He reported seeing the driver, later identified as Rachel Lakin, stop at a stop sign, exit the van, walk around it and get back inside. When she got out, trash fell onto the roadway. As Keding exited his patrol vehicle, Lakin fled.

Keding initiated lights and siren. The pursuit continued for approximately 45 minutes, weaving through backroads in the Lawrence County area. Keding noted Lakin repeatedly stopped, backed up, and then accelerated at unsafe speeds.

Trooper Darren Bates of Arkansas State Police entered the pursuit approximately two miles from U.S. Highway 63. Bates attempted a TVI and on the second attempt successfully forced the vehicle off the roadway, causing it to overturn into a ditch.

According to the report, officers observed open beer cans inside the overturned van. Lakin refused commands to exit the vehicle. Bates holstered his firearm and attempted to reach her, but she tried crawling toward the rear of the van. Bates deployed his Taser, striking her in the leg. She then complied and was taken into custody. EMS was called to remove the Taser darts, but Lakin refused treatment.

Lakin refused to identify herself at the scene and was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where she was later identified. She agreed to a breath test and registered a .06, then refused to participate in an alternate test.

A search of the van revealed multiple items of paraphernalia commonly used to inhale methamphetamine and marijuana. Officers also found approximately 42.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 8.2 grams of marijuana, according to the reports.

Evidence from the vehicle was transferred to Ravenden Police Department’s storage facility. Charges from Ravenden Police are pending.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.