September 18, 2024

ROGERS, Ark. – Arkansas State Police released a Trooper’s dash camera footage today from a July 27th traffic stop that ended in an officer-involved shooting. Angel Zapet-Alvarado, 26, of Guatemala had a blood-alcohol level of twice the legal limit when he resisted arrest and assaulted the Trooper during a traffic stop on Interstate 49.

Benton County Prosecutor Joshua Robinson announced today that Trooper Alexandria Duncan’s use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law. ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division presented an investigative case file to the prosecuting attorney on August 9, 2024.

At approximately 7:43 p.m., Trooper Duncan attempted to stop Zapet-Alvarado on I-49 southbound after he passed her marked patrol unit traveling 114 miles an hour in heavy traffic near the 83-mile marker. Zapet-Alvarado initially showed no signs of stopping, even after Trooper Duncan activated her emergency lights and sirens. After stopping his vehicle on the right shoulder, Trooper Duncan instructed Zapet-Alvarado to exit the vehicle. Trooper Duncan observed Zapet-Alvarado with his hand on the gearshift and stopped him from driving away in the vehicle by taking his keys. He ignored commands to exit the vehicle and resisted Trooper Duncan’s efforts to remove him. She deployed her taser when he refused to comply. Zapet-Alvarado wrestled the Trooper’s taser from her hands and threw it into interstate traffic. During the incident, Zapet-Alvarado kicked Trooper Duncan’s head multiple times.

Kylie Sutton, 31, of Rogers witnessed the altercation and tried to assist Trooper Duncan. The Trooper used her service weapon to fire one round at Zapet-Alvarado, wounding him in the right temple. He continued to resist arrest and refused Trooper Duncan’s instructions to get on the ground.

Col. Mike Hagar said, “I wholeheartedly support Trooper Duncan. We tell our Troopers to trust their instincts and lean into their experience and training when they’re on the highways. Anyone who has walked in a Trooper’s boots knows that trusting your gut keeps you safe so that you can protect and serve the public. In our world, hesitation can get you killed.”

“I thank God that He gave Alex the strength to survive that encounter, and that He put Kylie by her side when she needed support the most. I’m so proud of them both.”

Zapet-Alvarado was transported to Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, where he was treated and released to law enforcement. Toxicology results indicate his blood-alcohol was .16 and that cannabinoids were present. He was transported to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, where he remains. He was placed on hold for Homeland Security Investigation (HSI).

Trooper Duncan was treated for non-life-threatening injuries she sustained when Zapet-Alvarado assaulted her.