State authorities and legal representatives join forces to address escaping individuals

The Arkansas State Police issued a new public service announcement (PSA) on Friday aimed at sending a firm message against individuals attempting to flee from law enforcement. The PSA, released by Arkansas State Police Director Col. Mike Hagar, was accompanied by a press conference featuring 25 of Arkansas’ 28 elected prosecutors at the State Police Precision Driving Training Facility at Camp Robinson.

During the press conference, Col. Mike Hagar emphasized the severity of the issue by stating, “We will pursue you. We will stop you. And the men and women standing behind me will prosecute you.” This strong stance was prompted by a significant rise in vehicle pursuits in the state.

According to data provided by the Arkansas State Police, there were 553 pursuits involving state police vehicles statewide last year, compared to 291 pursuits in 2016. Col. Mike Hagar expressed concerns for the safety of civilians caught in the middle of these pursuits, highlighting the risks posed to families, friends, neighbors, and coworkers by fleeing suspects terrorizing and traumatizing communities.

Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Shue from Sebastian County, who also serves as the President of the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, echoed these sentiments by emphasizing the devastating consequences of fleeing incidents. Shue emphasized that anyone attempting to flee from law enforcement would face prosecution under the law.

To reinforce this commitment to enforcing the law, the State Police released a new video illustrating the repercussions for individuals evading law enforcement. State prosecutors have pledged to pursue all felony fleeing cases to the fullest extent of the law, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for endangering the lives of others by fleeing from authorities.

Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones from Pulaski County emphasized the need to prioritize public safety by taking a firm stance against those who endanger innocent lives through reckless actions. Jones affirmed his support for law enforcement efforts to maintain road safety and assured that individuals prioritizing their own interests over the safety of others would face legal consequences.

Col. Mike Hagar underscored the commitment of the Arkansas State Police to public safety by instructing troopers to take immediate action when suspects are identified as fleeing, including utilizing strategic methods to prevent dangerous situations on roadways.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of the Arkansas State Police and state prosecutors aim to deter individuals from fleeing law enforcement by emphasizing the serious consequences and legal actions that will be taken against those endangering public safety through reckless behavior.