DANGEROUS HIGH SPEED PURSUIT! 120+ mph in opposite lanes of traffic nearly ends in tragedy #asp

On July 7, 2026, at approximately 1000 hours, I, Trooper Zach Hoofman #610 with the Arkansas State Police, was traveling eastbound on Highway 70 just east of Java Road. I observed a black, unlicensed Infiniti G37 (VIN: JN1CV6AR6DM758232; no license plate) traveling westbound on Highway 70 in the inside lane of traffic. My in-car radar indicated the vehicle was traveling 76 mph in a posted 60 mph zone. I turned around and attempted to catch up to the vehicle to initiate a traffic stop. After turning around, I observed the vehicle accelerate and continue traveling at a high rate of speed. While attempting to catch up, I observed the vehicle pass other motorists by using the center turn lane and later pass additional motorists on the right (north) shoulder. At that time, I activated my emergency lights and siren and advised dispatch that I was in pursuit of the vehicle. After positioning my patrol vehicle directly behind the suspect vehicle, the driver began to slow down. The vehicle then made a U-turn in the middle of Highway 70 and began traveling eastbound. I continued the pursuit from the 3200 block of East Grand Avenue (Highway 70) to the intersection of Highway 70 and Highway 128. During the pursuit, the vehicle reached speeds of approximately 130 mph while weaving in and out of traffic and driving recklessly. The driver crossed into the oncoming (westbound) lanes of travel multiple times and nearly collided with several motorists while attempting to evade me. Near the intersection of Highway 128, the driver braked abruptly, lost control of the vehicle, and spun around, coming to rest facing westbound. I turned my patrol vehicle around, and the suspect attempted to turn around and continue traveling eastbound. At that time, I performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), striking the passenger-side rear quarter of the suspect vehicle with the front bumper of my patrol vehicle. The impact caused the vehicle to spin; however, the suspect continued eastbound on Highway 70 in the westbound lane of travel. The suspect then continued eastbound on the westbound shoulder, causing other motorists to swerve to avoid a collision. The suspect's actions placed numerous motorists in extreme danger. Upon reaching the intersection of Highway 70 and Elliott Road, the suspect braked and drove into the north-side ditch. I observed the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, exit through the driver's side door and flee on foot. The suspect was later identified as Timarion West. I observed West wearing a black shirt, red pajama-style pants, and a pink hat. West fled north into a field leading toward a residence. I pursued him on foot in an attempt to apprehend him. West continued to the residence, jumped a wooden fence, and entered a cattle pasture behind the residence. At that point, I lost sight of him. Several Arkansas State Troopers and deputies with the Saline County Sheriff's Office responded to assist in searching for the suspect. During the search, a wallet containing West's Arkansas driver's license was recovered. I positively identified West using the driver's license photograph. I also located a cellular phone inside the suspect vehicle. The phone's lock screen displayed a photograph of West, further corroborating his identity. Both the wallet and cellular phone were submitted into property and evidence at Troop K Headquarters for safekeeping. Lester's Towing responded to the scene and towed the vehicle. *Note: West was located by his parents and brought to Troop K Headquarters the same day. West was taken into custody, transported to the Garland County Detention Center, and charged with felony fleeing.*