Felony Fleeing Charge Filed After Helena-West Helena Pursuit Ends With Two TVIs

HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. — A driver was arrested after authorities said he fled a traffic stop, drove the wrong way on a city street and ran from officers after a second Tactical Vehicle Intervention disabled his vehicle.

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Antonio Jermaine Walker was arrested after the May 21 pursuit, according to an Arkansas State Police report.

Trooper Medley reported being on patrol in Helena-West Helena when he saw a Chevrolet Cruze operating without tag lights. The trooper initiated a traffic stop in the parking lot of O’Reilly Auto Parts on North Sebastian Street.

Before the trooper could approach the vehicle, the driver fled, according to the report. The vehicle traveled north on Sebastian Street before cutting through a grassy area onto Center Street, reaching speeds of about 60 mph.

Medley performed a TVI at Kentucky Street and Anderson Street, striking the left rear of the suspect vehicle with the right front of his patrol vehicle, but the maneuver was unsuccessful. Trooper Taylor then joined the pursuit as a secondary unit.

After the first TVI, the driver regained control and continued fleeing. The report states the suspect drove the wrong way on North Second Street back toward Sebastian Street.

Medley performed a second TVI on North Second Street at East Garland Avenue, using the right side of his patrol vehicle to make contact with the left side of the suspect vehicle. The second maneuver disabled the vehicle, according to the report.

The driver then got out and fled on foot. While fleeing, the suspect discarded a bag and an open container later identified as a Miller Lite beer, the report states.

Walker was apprehended behind Dollar General on Sebastian Street. The report states he resisted arrest by attempting to pull away as officers placed him in handcuffs.

During a search of the vehicle, authorities reported finding a suspected marijuana blunt in the driver’s side cup holder. Police said the suspected marijuana weighed about 15 grams. A glass pipe containing residue of an unknown substance was also found in the cup holder, according to the report.

Walker was transported to the St. Francis County Detention Center. The report states he refused to provide a urine sample after being read his statement of rights and was additionally charged with refusal to submit to a chemical test.

Authorities said Arkansas State Police will seek restitution for damage to the patrol vehicle.

Walker was arrested on suspicion of felony fleeing by vehicle or conveyance, fleeing on foot, open container containing alcohol in a motor vehicle, first-degree criminal mischief, driving on a suspended license, first-offense DWI drugs, resisting arrest, refusal to submit to a chemical test, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, possession of an instrument of crime, no liability insurance and failure to register vehicle/expired tags.

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