Arkansas State Police Urges Parents to Prioritize Child Safety on the Road
Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar is urging parents and caregivers to prioritize the safety of children by pulling over for law enforcement officers, especially in light of recent incidents where suspects fled with kids in their cars. Hagar expressed disbelief at parents endangering their children by driving recklessly or evading law enforcement. The agency is taking action to prevent suspects from putting innocent children at risk.
In a recent incident near Camden on May 24, an ASP trooper attempted to stop a 2012 Toyota Highlander for a traffic violation. The driver refused to stop, leading to a high-speed pursuit with children in the vehicle. The chase reached speeds over 100 mph, with the driver swerving into oncoming traffic and eventually crashing after multiple attempts to stop the vehicle.
During the crash, a 4-month-old infant was ejected from the vehicle and three other children under the age of 6 were rescued from the wreck by troopers. The children sustained minor injuries and were taken to a local medical center for evaluation and treatment. The driver, Tyrice Fletcher, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including endangering the welfare of a minor and possession of illegal substances and firearms.
Troop F Captain Rick Neill commended the troopers for their swift actions in rescuing the children and emphasized that the suspect's reckless decisions endangered innocent lives. Hagar stressed the immediate danger posed by high-speed pursuits and reiterated the agency's commitment to holding offenders accountable, especially those who flee with children in their vehicles. The safety of children should always be a top priority for parents and caregivers on the road.