Police Defend Pursuit After Child Ejected in Chase

CAMDEN, AR - The Arkansas State Police (ASP) are defending their pursuit policies after a high-speed chase on May 24 ended in a rollover accident that ejected a four-month-old infant from a vehicle.

The incident began when a state trooper attempted to stop a 2012 Toyota Highlander for a traffic violation in Camden. The driver, identified as 28-year-old Tyrice Fletcher of El Dorado, refused to pull over and led officers on a chase through Ouachita County. Authorities report that Fletcher reached speeds exceeding 100 mph, passing other vehicles and crossing into oncoming traffic.

During the pursuit, troopers attempted two PIT maneuvers to stop the vehicle. The chase ended when Fletcher lost control while navigating a curve, struck a light pole, and overturned. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered four children under the age of six inside the SUV. One infant, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. All four children were transported to the Ouachita County Medical Center and were treated for minor injuries.

ASP Colonel Mike Hagar strongly condemned the driver's actions, stating that it is "disgusting" to put children in such a dangerous situation. Addressing concerns about the aggression of the pursuit, Hagar argued that the danger was created by the driver's decision to flee, not by police tactics. He emphasized that troopers were unaware children were in the car and urged the public to focus on the criminal behavior of those who flee from law enforcement.

Fletcher is currently held at the Ouachita County Detention Center. He faces numerous charges, including felony fleeing, four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, possession of a defaced firearm, and possession of controlled substances.