MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, Ark. — New video obtained by NEA Report shows a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 55 that authorities said reached 156 mph before ending with stop sticks, a crash and a foot pursuit in Missouri.
The pursuit began at about 8:22 a.m. June 15, when Arkansas State Police Trooper Arellano was conducting traffic enforcement in the northbound lanes of I-55 just north of the 54-mile marker, according to an ASP incident report.
The trooper reported seeing a red Chevrolet Corvette with a cover over its license plate. A check through the Arkansas Crime Information Center showed the registration had expired in March 2026, according to the report.
At the 55-mile marker, the trooper activated emergency lights to stop the Corvette. The vehicle did not slow down, the report said. After the trooper activated his siren, smoke came from the Corvette’s exhaust as the vehicle accelerated rapidly.
The pursuit continued northbound at what ASP described as an extremely high rate of speed. The trooper reported maintaining a radar reading showing the Corvette traveling over 150 mph and reaching speeds of up to 156 mph.
The Corvette crossed the Arkansas-Missouri state line, where Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers were staged near the 4-mile marker exit with tire deflation devices. MSHP troopers successfully deployed the devices, deflating the Corvette’s left-side tires, according to the report.
The vehicle continued northbound before exiting near the 8-mile marker onto Missouri State Highway 164. The report said the Corvette appeared to slow because of tire damage.
As the trooper moved alongside the Corvette in preparation for a tactical vehicle intervention, the Corvette suddenly braked, causing the front left portion of the patrol vehicle to hit the rear right portion of the Corvette, according to the report. Both vehicles were disabled.
The driver, identified in the report as Jayden Smith, then exited the Corvette and ran northbound through a field while carrying a black backpack, the report said. The trooper pursued Smith on foot before Smith stopped, raised his hands, and got on the ground.
The backpack contained two Ram TRX key fobs, one Dodge SRT key fob, and Smith’s driver’s license, according to the report. While being placed into a patrol vehicle, Smith reportedly said he was not worried about the Corvette because he would “simply buy another one,” according to ASP.
A search of the Corvette found a small plastic container with suspected marijuana, the report said. The substance later weighed 0.12 grams.
Smith was taken by MSHP troopers to the Pemiscot County Jail in Caruthersville, Missouri, where he was held pending extradition.
The report lists allegations including felony fleeing in a vehicle creating a substantial danger of death, fleeing on foot, possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving, no seat belt, no liability insurance, improper lane change, expired tags and improper display of license tags.
ASP said it will seek restitution for damage to state police property sustained during the pursuit.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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