MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, Ark. — A traffic stop near the Missouri state line turned into a high-speed pursuit after authorities said a driver restarted her vehicle and sped away from an Arkansas State Police trooper.
Natalie Michelle Ward, 40, of Gosnell, was arrested after the pursuit, which ended when a Tactical Vehicle Intervention caused the gray Dodge Journey she was driving to leave the roadway and overturn, according to an Arkansas State Police report.
Trooper Carter Lazenby reported seeing the vehicle traveling north on Highway 61 near the Missouri state line at 63 mph in a 55 mph zone at about 1:03 p.m. May 23. Lazenby attempted to initiate a traffic stop near the arches on Highway 61. The vehicle continued for about one-eighth of a mile after the trooper activated his emergency lights and siren before pulling onto the shoulder.
According to the report, Ward said she could not locate her license and began searching for her insurance and registration. As she began to exit the vehicle without finding her license, the trooper instructed her to retrieve her purse from the front passenger seat. Ward then reentered the vehicle, began reaching toward the center console area while repeatedly looking back at the trooper and started the vehicle, the report states.
Lazenby reported attempting to grab Ward’s arm to prevent her from putting the vehicle into gear, but Ward shifted into gear and accelerated away. The pursuit continued north on Highway 61 into Missouri, with speeds reaching about 100 mph in a 55 mph zone.
During the pursuit, Ward drove into oncoming traffic multiple times by crossing into the southbound lanes before returning to the northbound lanes, according to the report.
After about two miles, a TVI was performed at about 1:07 p.m. while the vehicle was traveling about 106 mph. The maneuver caused the vehicle to leave the roadway to the right and overturn about one and a half times before coming to rest on the driver’s side.
Ward was instructed to exit through the windshield and walk back toward the patrol unit. She was then taken into custody without further incident, according to the report.
Medic One personnel from Missouri responded, evaluated Ward and transported her to Great River Medical Center for treatment. After receiving treatment, Ward was released back into custody and transported to the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office.
The report states Ward had an active felony warrant through the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office at the time of the incident and that her license was suspended.
Jail records show Ward was booked May 23 on felony fleeing in a vehicle or conveyance causing substantial danger of death, felony failure to appear, misdemeanor failure to appear, failure to pay fines or costs, no liability insurance, speeding more than 15 mph over the limit, no seat belt, driving left of center, failure to register a vehicle/expired tags, driving on a suspended license and first-offense reckless driving.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Photos from incident report (caution: graphic):
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