October 23, 2025
ATKINS, Ark. — Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is investigating a fatal incident that occurred after a vehicle pursuit on Interstate 40 near Atkins on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Around 4 p.m., an ASP Trooper observed a woman driving a blue Nissan Versa recklessly and at a high rate of speed, traveling westbound on Interstate 40. The vehicle was observed passing other vehicles by using the interstate shoulder and nearly colliding with two other motorists while attempting to travel between lanes to elude the Trooper.
The Trooper intercepted the vehicle near the 92-mile marker in Pope County and executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver to end the pursuit. The suspect’s vehicle left the roadway, and the driver was ejected.
Emergency medical personnel administered life-saving methods before the driver was pronounced dead by the Pope County Coroner at 5:17 p.m.
The deceased was identified as Andrea Thompson, 49.
The suspect’s body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.