VIDEO: Trooper Reaches 130 MPH on Wet Highway During Independence County Pursuit

NEWARK, Ark. — Newly released Arkansas State Police video shows a pursuit through Independence County involving speeds above 100 mph, wet pavement and three juvenile passengers inside the fleeing vehicle.

The pursuit began at approximately 2:09 p.m. July 4 on Arkansas Highway 69 near Newark, according to an ASP incident report.

Trooper Nick Ade reported he was parked at an Arkansas Department of Transportation pull-off east of the power plant when a white Cadillac CTS passed him. The vehicle matched the description of one associated with a driver who had an active felony warrant, the report said.

Ade pulled onto the highway about a half-mile behind the Cadillac. As the vehicles traveled west toward Newark, the trooper reported he was not closing the distance quickly enough to read the license plate.

The Cadillac was initially recorded traveling 66 mph in a 55 mph zone before rapidly accelerating, according to the report. Ade reported seeing the vehicle travel well above 100 mph and pass other motorists.

Ade activated his emergency lights and siren and notified dispatch that he was beginning a pursuit.

The trooper reported reaching speeds above 130 mph on wet pavement while attempting to catch the Cadillac. The vehicle continued through light traffic near Magness before turning onto Brittany Street, which loops back toward Highway 69.

After the Cadillac returned to the highway traveling east, Ade was able to read the license plate. A records check determined the plate was fictitious, according to the report.

As the pursuit returned toward Newark, Ade attempted to position his patrol vehicle for a TVI.

The driver began braking but did not stop as the trooper pulled beside the Cadillac, the report said. Ade attempted the maneuver, but his patrol vehicle slid along the driver’s side of the Cadillac. The contact brought the pursuit to an end.

The driver, identified in the report as Zavian Dodson, and three juvenile passengers were ordered out and detained without further incident.

Investigators determined the juveniles had been seeking a ride from Newport to Batesville and were not involved in the driver’s actions, according to ASP. They were released to family members at the scene or taken home by other state police personnel.

Dodson was transported to the Independence County Detention Center and placed on a probable cause hold pending formal charges.

The report lists intended charges of fleeing, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, aggravated assault, displaying a fictitious license plate, failure to signal, no liability insurance, failure to wear a seat belt, improper passing and failure to stop or yield.

ASP also contacted the Child Abuse Hotline regarding the juveniles and made a referral to the agency’s Crimes Against Children Division.

State police said restitution will be sought through the prosecutor’s office for damage to state property.

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