TROOPER JOINS HIGH SPEED PURSUIT on DWI driver in Chevy Avalanche - 90MPH PIT Maneuver (ASP) #police

*This is a good example of how police work can go from 0-100 in an instant*

Trooper's Report:

On 11/10/2024, I was assisting a stranded motorist at the 256-mile marker westbound on Interstate 40. While helping the
motorist, a Saint Francis County deputy had initiated a pursuit with a Chevrolet Avalanche bearing fictitious Tennessee tags at
the 253-mile marker eastbound. The deputy requested assistance from Arkansas State Police Troop D and advised both Saint
Francis County dispatch and Troop D Communications of the suspect's manner of driving. The suspect (later identified as
Michael Barnes), was involved in a brief struggle with Deputy Johnson before he ran back to his vehicle and fled.
Deputy Johnson advised that Mr. Barnes had taken his taser when he fled. Mr. Barnes was driving recklessly at high speeds
with a disregard for the safety of the other motorists on the roadway.

As I continued eastbound, I joined the pursuit near the 262-mile marker as the secondary unit. I advised Troop D
Communications of the speeds and that I was now in the pursuit. I observed the vehicle passing cars on the inside shoulder
and even going through the median of the interstate. The suspect continued driving recklessly and had run multiple cars off the
roadway. I became the primary unit in the pursuit and got in position to perform a T.V.I (Tactical Vehicle Intervention) maneuver
to end the pursuit and to effect an arrest of Michael Barnes. I performed a successful T.V.I. and the vehicle spun clockwise into
the ditch on the south side of the interstate near the 263-mile marker.

I positioned my patrol unit for a felony takedown, but I observed Mr. Barnes exit his vehicle and run on foot. I also observed the
passenger exit the vehicle and lie down. I began to chase Mr. Barnes and gave him commands. Barnes laid down on his
stomach in thick brush and I gave him further commands to not move. I then placed him into custody without further incident.

The passenger Minnie Collins was detained. In the vehicle's floorboard were multiple alcoholic beverage
containers that were cold to the touch with condensation on them. I could also smell the odor of alcoholic beverages emitting
from Mr. Barnes's breath.

After taking both subjects into custody and clearing the vehicle, EMS was dispatched to the scene to treat both occupants. Both
Collins and Barnes were transported to Forrest City Medical Center for further evaluation. White motor was called to the scene
and took possession of the vehicle. Ms. Collins was released after being medically evaluated and Michael Barnes was
transported to the Saint Francis County Detention Center by Deputy Johnson.

Barnes was charged with:

DWI 1st (5-65-103 1st),
Open container (5-71-218),
fleeing on foot (5-54-125(c)),
resisting arrest,
Fleeing (exceeding the posted speed limit) (5-54-125(d)(2)),
Reckless Driving 27-50-308(b)(1)(B) 1ST,
Driving on a revoked license (27-16-303 REV),
Defective equipment (27-32-101),
Fictitious tags (27-14-306),
Improper Display (27-14-716),
Obstructing governmental operations (5-54-102),
no turn signal (27-51-403).