WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — A 20-year-old driver faces a felony fleeing charge after an Oct. 15 pursuit through a construction zone ended with an Arkansas State Police trooper spinning his SUV to a stop and using a Taser, according to a newly obtained incident report.
The report identifies the driver as James C. Stevenson, 20, of Little Rock. NEA Report previously shared video of the encounter.
At approximately 10:09 p.m., Troop D dispatch advised troopers that a silver 2006 Ford Explorer was traveling east on Interstate 40 near mile marker 260 and that its driver had made statements indicating he wanted to harm himself, according to the report.
Trooper Damion Potts wrote that he located the SUV near mile marker 271 and saw it swerving, repeatedly turning its headlights on and off and crossing the outside fog line. Potts reported pacing the vehicle at 85 mph in a 65 mph zone.
Potts continued following while waiting for Trooper Billy Puckett near mile marker 277. When Potts activated his emergency lights and siren, the SUV initially slowed in the left lane before accelerating, moving into the right lane and entering a lane closed for construction, the report states.
The SUV traveled through the construction zone, exited I-40 at mile marker 278 and continued onto the East Service Road. Potts reported speeds of approximately 65 mph in a 45 mph zone during the pursuit.
Vehicle Maneuver and Taser Deployment
Potts wrote that his first attempt at a tactical vehicle intervention, a maneuver intended to spin a fleeing vehicle to a stop, was unsuccessful. He then repositioned his patrol vehicle and made contact with the SUV’s passenger-side rear fender. The SUV rotated clockwise and stopped on the outside shoulder of the service road, according to the report.
After turning his patrol vehicle around, Potts said he saw Stevenson walking in the roadway. Both troopers reported that Stevenson refused commands to get on the ground and approached them.
Potts wrote that he deployed his Taser, firing four cartridges and achieving what the report calls “neuromuscular incapacitation.” The troopers then placed Stevenson in hand restraints. The report does not describe four separate electrical cycles.
An ambulance was requested to evaluate Stevenson’s injuries. Potts attributed head injuries to Stevenson’s head striking the roadway and also noted injuries where the Taser probes struck him.
Puckett transported Stevenson to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden, where he was evaluated. The report states that Stevenson was subsequently released and later transferred to Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee. It does not explain the reason for the transfer.
Potts reported minor damage to both rear sides of the SUV consistent with the vehicle intervention attempts. His patrol vehicle was not damaged, according to his narrative.
Charges Listed in the Report
The report lists felony fleeing in a vehicle while exceeding the speed limit, a Class D felony; possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; and refusal to submit to arrest, a Class B misdemeanor.
It also lists reckless driving, speeding more than 15 mph over the limit, driving without lights at night, an improper or unsafe lane change, and improper lane change or usage.
Both troopers reported finding glass pipes with burnt residue during a search of the SUV, but their accounts differ on the number. Potts listed two pipes in his narrative and evidence inventory, while Puckett’s supplemental report listed three.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
SHARE THIS STORY WITH OTHERS:
Discover more from NEA Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
