VIDEO: 130 MPH Pursuit Ends With TVI Crash, Four Firearms Found, ASP Says

CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ark. — An Arkansas State Police pursuit that began on the Interstate 40 Hernando de Soto Bridge reached speeds of more than 130 mph before ending with a Tactical Vehicle Intervention and two arrests, according to an ASP report.

The pursuit happened around 1:30 a.m. May 11 after Sgt. Roberts, Trooper Billy Puckett and Trooper Collier Wright were returning to Arkansas after escorting an elderly woman across the bridge into Tennessee, according to the report.

Troopers said they observed a vehicle traveling 109 mph in a posted 55 mph zone as they entered the interstate. As the vehicle approached the Arkansas state line, it suddenly braked and slowed to about 91 mph before a traffic stop was initiated.

According to the report, the vehicle initially signaled and moved toward the shoulder, slowed briefly, then accelerated to about 100 mph in a posted 65 mph zone while weaving through traffic.

Troopers attempted a TVI on the vehicle, but the attempt was unsuccessful after the driver applied the brakes as the maneuver was being set up, according to the report. Afterward, the vehicle slowed to about 18 mph, and the passenger threw an open can of beer wrapped in a grocery bag over the bridge railing, authorities said. The item was later recovered.

The vehicle stopped briefly before accelerating again, reaching speeds in excess of 130 mph while driving on the right shoulder of the interstate, the report states.

The pursuit continued to the Mound City exit and onto Mound City Road. Troopers said the vehicle ran off the road and then attempted to re-enter the roadway toward the interstate. To prevent the vehicle from returning to the interstate and endangering other motorists, a second TVI was conducted, according to the report.

The maneuver caused the vehicle to leave the road and enter the south ditch of the Interstate 40 entrance ramp near the 281 mile marker, where it struck a concrete culvert and stopped.

After several minutes of verbal commands, both occupants were taken into custody without further incident.

The driver was identified as Edwin Bell. The passenger was identified as Eric Long.

A search of the vehicle revealed four firearms, according to the report. Authorities said a Glock 19X 9mm handgun and a Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 were found in the driver’s door, a black mini Draco was found in the driver’s floorboard and a silver Smith & Wesson AirWeight .38 revolver was found under the passenger seat.

Troopers also reported finding two pill bottles containing multiple different pills in Bell’s pockets, an open Modelo beer in the center console and a container of marijuana on the rear passenger seat. Both suspects denied ownership of the marijuana, according to the report. Long admitted the .38 revolver found under his seat belonged to him, authorities said.

Bell was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, open container in a motor vehicle, first-offense DWI, speeding more than 15 mph over the limit, felony fleeing by means of vehicle creating substantial danger of death or serious physical injury, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, two counts of possession with purpose to deliver a Schedule I or II controlled substance excluding methamphetamine or cocaine, and possession with purpose to deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance, 14 grams to 4 ounces.

Long was arrested on suspicion of open container in a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm by certain persons, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, public intoxication, possession with purpose to deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance, 14 grams to 4 ounces, drinking on the highway and first-offense littering.

Both suspects were transported to the Crittenden County Detention Center.

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