ST. FRANCIS COUNTY, Ark. — An early morning traffic stop in rural St. Francis County escalated into a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 40, ending when a state trooper forced a fleeing vehicle into a guardrail, according to an Arkansas State Police report.
Aaron D. Armstrong, 45, of Royal, was arrested following the March 7, 2026 pursuit and booked on multiple charges, including felony fleeing and possession of a firearm by certain persons.
According to the report, Trooper Steven Plyler attempted to stop a green 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe around 1:10 a.m. after observing the vehicle traveling with a defective headlight on Washington Avenue near Deadrick Road.
Instead of stopping, the driver continued northbound and entered Interstate 40 eastbound toward West Memphis. With emergency lights and siren activated, Plyler attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly brake-checked the patrol unit before accelerating.
The pursuit reached speeds of approximately 85 mph in a 75 mph zone, according to the report.
During the chase, the driver allegedly swerved toward the trooper’s vehicle in what was described as an apparent attempt to force the patrol unit off the roadway.
Due to the driver’s actions and the danger to the public, Plyler conducted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention near the 243 mile marker, forcing the vehicle into the inside lane guardrail. Trooper Hunter Hill assisted by pinning the vehicle to prevent further flight.
Armstrong was taken into custody without further incident.
According to the report, Armstrong told troopers he fled because he is a convicted felon and had a firearm inside the vehicle. During a search, troopers located a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm pistol on the passenger-side floorboard, along with an open 40-ounce bottle of beer.
Troopers also reported detecting the odor of intoxicants. Armstrong later told authorities he had used marijuana and methamphetamine.
While at the St. Francis County Detention Facility, Armstrong began showing signs of a possible overdose. Troopers administered Narcan, but it had no observable effect. He was transported to Forrest City Medical Center, where he was evaluated and cleared before being returned to jail.
Armstrong refused to submit to chemical testing, and field sobriety tests were not conducted due to lack of cooperation, according to the report.
He was booked on charges including felony fleeing, possession of a firearm by certain persons, driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a chemical test, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license, along with multiple traffic violations.
Authorities later learned the vehicle and firearm involved in the pursuit had been reported stolen. The Forrest City Police Department is expected to pursue additional charges.
Estimated damage to the vehicle was listed at $2,000.
Bail was set at $250,000.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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