Camden, Arkansas — Arkansas authorities have released dramatic footage from a high-speed police pursuit that ended in a violent rollover crash, sending a 4-month-old infant flying from the vehicle and leaving four young children in danger.
Despite the terrifying circumstances, officials say all four children survived with relatively minor injuries.
Traffic Stop Escalates Into 100 MPH Chase
According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP), the incident began on May 24 when officers attempted to stop 28-year-old Tyrice Fletcher for a traffic violation in Camden.
Rather than pulling over, authorities say Fletcher accelerated and fled, triggering a dangerous pursuit through Ouachita County. Investigators stated that troopers were unaware children were inside the vehicle when the chase began.
The pursuit reportedly reached speeds approaching 100 mph as officers followed the suspect along Ouachita County Road 47.
Crash Sends Infant From Vehicle
The chase came to a sudden and violent end when Fletcher allegedly lost control of the vehicle. According to police, the car veered off the roadway, struck a light pole and rolled over.
Video released by authorities captured the aftermath of the crash, showing smoke rising from the wrecked vehicle and electrical wires scattered nearby.
One of the most shocking moments occurred when a responding trooper spotted an infant lying in the grass near the overturned vehicle. Authorities said the 4-month-old child had been ejected from the vehicle during the rollover crash.
The trooper immediately picked up the infant and carried the child to safety away from the damaged vehicle and downed utility lines.
Troopers Rescue Remaining Children
As officers continued assessing the scene, they discovered three additional children still inside the overturned vehicle.
Authorities said all four children were under the age of six. Troopers carefully helped the children exit the wreckage and escorted them to patrol vehicles where they could be evaluated and cared for.
Video footage showed officers wrapping blankets around the youngest children and providing water while emergency medical crews responded. Despite the severity of the crash, officials reported that the children sustained only minor injuries.
All four were transported to Ouachita County Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. Police also notified the children’s mother following the crash.
Officials Condemn Driver’s Actions
Arkansas State Police leaders strongly criticized the suspect’s decision to flee with children inside the vehicle.
“As a father, I cannot fathom a parent making the decision to drive recklessly, much less flee from law enforcement, with their children in the vehicle,” ASP Col. Mike Hagar said.
“I thank God the children were not injured,” he added.
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Troop F Capt. Rick Neill also condemned the suspect’s actions.
“The suspect’s decisions placed four innocent victims in harm’s way,” Neill said in a statement.
“At any point during the pursuit, the suspect could have stopped.”
“He refused to stop. The danger created that day was the direct result of the suspect’s actions.”
Multiple Charges Filed
Following the crash, police took Fletcher into custody. Investigators said they recovered a defaced firearm and marijuana from inside the vehicle.
Authorities charged Fletcher with numerous offenses, including felony fleeing, possession of a defaced firearm, possession of a firearm by certain persons, four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and multiple child restraint violations.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue reviewing evidence related to the pursuit.
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