Driver in Mercedes-Benz too scared to stop - Arkansas State Police pursuit and PIT / TVI Maneuver
Trooper's Report:
On 03/24/2024 at 7:23 p.m., I observed a vehicle traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 67 near MC 53 that did not have its
headlights on. I was eastbound on Highway 67 and immediately turned around on the vehicle getting behind it in the westbound
lane. The vehicle appeared to accelerate ahead westbound once I turned around. I accelerated my vehicle reaching a speed of
122 mph to catch up to the suspect vehicle.
Once I caught up, I paced the suspect vehicle at 75mph. U.S. Highway 67 has a posted speed limit of 55 mph. Just east of
Highway 108, I observed the registration was out on the vehicle as well because it expired March of 2021. At 7:27 p.m., I
attempted to conduct a traffic stop near the intersection of US 67 and HWY 108, The vehicle appeared to slightly accelerate
and then turned its blinkers on, refusing to pull off the road way. Shortly after accelerating, the vehicle then dropped its speed
and stayed approximately at speeds of 52 to 55 mph while traveling westbound into the city limits of Texarkana, Arkansas.
On U.S. Highway 67 just west of Highway 296, our speeds were at 57 mph, while I conducted a successful TVI on the suspect
vehicle. After making successful vehicle contact on the passenger side of vehicle, it was sent off the roadway coming to rest in
the north side ditch of US 67 facing south east. The driver given commands to stay within the vehicle and to keep her hands
up. The suspect obeyed the commands. I held the suspect at gun point until Trooper Nelson arrived on scene. Once Trooper
Nelson arrived on scene, commands were given to the suspect, identified as Karanya Marquis Dudley, to exit the vehicle and
walk towards U.S. Highway 67. Once Dudley was on Highway 67, she was given commands to lie flat on the ground, which she
obeyed. At that point, a TAPD unit arrived on scene.
Trooper Nelson, TAPD, and I then cleared the suspect vehicle, and I placed Dudley into custody, handcuffing her while she laid
flat on the ground. Ms. Dudley was taken into custody without incident. Dudley advised she did not stop the vehicle because
she needed to take her medicine.
The vehicle was picked up by Neeley's Towing and taken to their yard. Trooper Nelson did an auto storage report concerning the vehicle. I transported Dudley to the Miller County Jail.
Dudley was charged with statute: 5-54-125(d)(2) 2023, Fleeing-
Vehicle or Conveyance- exceeding the speed limit. Dudley was also cited for numerous traffic violations such as speeding greater than 15 mph above the limit, expired vehicle tags, unsafe vehicle, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license.