May 21, 2025
BENTON, Ark. — Arkansas State Police Troopers Cpl. Dustin Carpenter, Cpl. Christopher Barnett, and Cpl. Marcus Simpson were jointly awarded the prestigious Arkansas State Trooper of the Year Award for 2025 at the annual Arkansas State Police Awards ceremony, hosted by the Arkansas State Police Foundation, today at the Benton Events Center.
The three Troopers were honored for their bravery and quick thinking during a high-speed pursuit and standoff on U.S. Highway 67 in Jackson County on Friday, October 11, 2024.
ASP troopers initiated the pursuit to stop Isaiah Cross, 50, of Blossom, Texas, who had been driving aggressively towards a marked ASP unit while traveling at speeds exceeding 120 mph northbound between Newport and Bradford in Jackson County.
Troopers managed to stop Cross, which led to a standoff. ASP crisis negotiators worked with Cross to resolve the situation peacefully. Despite orders to exit the vehicle, Cross refused and threatened officers, claiming he had a weapon. About 30 minutes later, Cross fled the scene, driving south in the northbound lane at speeds exceeding 100 mph for approximately 10 miles into heavy oncoming traffic.
“It’s a special day for us because we get to recognize publicly what we all know privately, which is that Troopers and their families serve this state with honor and integrity,” Col. Mike Hagar said. “We are so grateful for your sacrifice and service.”
Troopers employed deadly force to stop Cross, firing at him when there was a gap in traffic. The suspect vehicle ran off the roadway into the ditch, where it caught fire.
Two Troopers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.
Their actions exemplify the mission of the Arkansas State Police.
During the ceremony, Arkansas State Police Foundation President Elizabeth Anderson introduced the keynote speaker, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.
“If you’re not safe, you’re not free,” General Griffin addressed Troopers in his remarks. “I know that each of you serve not for recognition, but from a deep sense of duty.” Others recognized in today’s ceremony:
ASP Employee of the Year
Senior Intel Analyst Lisa Roark
Trooper’s Cross Award
TFC Austin Duncan
Distinguished Meritorious Service Awards
Special Agent Jason Baethke
Special Agent Kevin Brown
Medal of Valor
Corporal Christopher Barnett
Corporal Dustin Carpenter
TFC Shane Caviness
Trooper J.D. Crow
TFC Montae Hernandez
Corporal Harlee Robinson
Corporal Marcus Simpson
Trooper Christian Underwood
Trooper Sean Weston
Lifesaving Awards
Corporal Moye Hawkins
Corporal Billy Martin
TFC Dairren Evans
Trooper Dylan Evans
Trooper Gunner Fultz
TFC Brady Nuckels
Corporal Bob Love
Corporal Michael Summitt
Trooper Clayton Bloch
Official Commendations:
Telecom Specialist Cindy Ball-Dye
TFC Brandon Bird
Special Agent Christina Bussey
Telecom Specialist Samantha Downey
Special Agent Kristen Dumont
Telecom Supervisor Maegan Elkins
Trooper Hunter Grubbs
TFC Marshall Hill
SR Intelligence Analyst Shemiracle King
Trooper Blayn Lucas
Telecom Specialist Hannah Marshall
Sergeant Jason Martin
Special Agent Travis May
Trooper Zachary Means
Captain Randall Murphy
Special Agent Dalton Myers
Trooper Tucker Phelps
Telecom Specialist Ashley Rogers
TFC Matthew Walker
Distinguished Service Awards
Kylie Sutton
Kal Makan
Naziroddin Kazi
Blake Purnell
Special Agent Charles Cannon