VIDEO: 107 MPH Pursuit in Monroe County Ends With TVI Rollover

MONROE COUNTY, Ark. — Video obtained by NEA Report shows an Arkansas State Police pursuit that reached 107 mph before a Tactical Vehicle Intervention caused the fleeing vehicle to overturn.

The pursuit happened on May 15 on U.S. Highway 49 in rural Monroe County after a trooper reported seeing a gold Ford Fusion with window tint that appeared to be below the legal limit. The vehicle also crossed the fog line, according to an Arkansas State Police incident report.

When the trooper turned around to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated. The trooper reported using radar to confirm the vehicle reached 107 mph in a 55 mph zone.

The driver, later identified as Jshawn Johnson, 22, initially stopped after about two miles, according to the report. However, when the trooper exited his patrol unit and began giving commands, Johnson allegedly failed to comply and fled again.

Police said Johnson passed vehicles on the right shoulder and used the northbound lane to pass vehicles while oncoming traffic was present. The report said the trooper attempted a TVI because of Johnson’s driving and his lack of concern for the safety of his passenger and the public.

As the trooper positioned his patrol unit, Johnson allegedly braked aggressively to avoid contact. The report said Johnson then swerved toward the trooper, forcing the patrol unit partially into a ditch to avoid being hit.

Johnson continued fleeing before the trooper attempted another TVI. Police said Johnson braked again, placing the vehicles side by side. As Johnson began to accelerate, the trooper successfully contacted the left rear quarter panel of the suspect vehicle with the front of his patrol unit, causing the Ford Fusion to rotate, leave the roadway, overturn and come to a stop.

Johnson and the front-seat passenger, identified as Dennis Thompson, 40, exited through the passenger door, according to the report. Police said Johnson ignored commands and ran east on foot.

The trooper pursued Johnson for about 200 yards but was unable to apprehend him. The trooper returned to Thompson, who remained near the vehicle, and placed him in handcuffs.

EMS was called to check Thompson, but he refused medical assistance, according to the report. Thompson was later released.

During a search of the vehicle, police said Johnson’s Arkansas identification card and Social Security card were found inside a wallet on the driver’s floorboard.

Arkansas State Police K9 and air support were called to assist in the search for Johnson, but authorities were unable to locate him after an extensive search.

An affidavit for Johnson’s arrest has been filed through the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office, according to the report.

The listed charges include speeding more than 15 mph over the limit, driving on a suspended license, improper window tinting, careless and prohibited driving, aggravated assault, no seat belt, expired tags, felony fleeing in a vehicle, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and fleeing on foot.

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