HARDY, Ark. — An Arkansas State Police trooper used a tactical vehicle intervention to end a pursuit involving an alleged reckless driver on U.S. Highway 63 near Hardy, according to a police report.
The pursuit began July 13 after authorities received a report around 12:14 p.m. of a white Chevrolet traveling north between Black Rock and Imboden. The caller reported that the vehicle was swerving, passing motorists across double-yellow lines and forcing other vehicles from the road, nearly causing several crashes.
Ravenden Police Chief John Kedding attempted to stop the vehicle near Ravenden, but the driver allegedly continued north toward Hardy. Police said the vehicle’s speed fluctuated between 45 and 75 mph in a 55 mph zone.
An ASP trooper intercepted the pursuit at the bottom of Bowman Hill around 12:31 p.m. and took over as the primary pursuing officer. The report states that the vehicle was traveling around 50 mph, swerving across the centerline and fog line and passing vehicles that had pulled over for emergency lights and sirens.
Concerned that the pursuit was approaching an area of Hardy with increased pedestrian traffic, the trooper performed a tactical vehicle intervention, commonly called a TVI, when traffic cleared around 12:32 p.m.
The maneuver sent the Chevrolet into the roadside along the southbound lanes, where it came to a stop. The driver, identified as Shonna R. Lalonde, was taken into custody.
During an inventory of the vehicle, police reported finding a 1.75-liter bottle of Bacardi that was about one-third full and within reach of the driver’s seat. A marijuana grinder containing residue was also allegedly found in the glove compartment.
Lalonde was transported to White River Medical Complex in Cherokee Village for an evaluation. Police obtained a warrant for a blood sample to determine whether alcohol or controlled substances were present.
After the blood draw, Lalonde was taken to the Sharp County Detention Facility. The report states that authorities planned to file charges of fleeing, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, open container and no proof of insurance.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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