July 29, 2023

At approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, an Arkansas State Police (ASP) Trooper executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver to stop a fleeing suspect at the 283-mile marker of Interstate 40 East.

Suspect Demarcus Clark, 32, of West Memphis died from injuries he sustained in the incident. Clark was endangering the lives of other motorists by exceeding 120 mph and driving recklessly. The Marion Police Department initiated the pursuit earlier in the evening and requested assistance from ASP after the suspect fled from a traffic stop.

“As ASP Troopers, we take our duty to protect the public seriously,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar. “Last night, our Troopers put into action their oath to always put the lives of innocents ahead of their own and ahead of a suspect who made the reckless choice to flee from law enforcement. Although we regret any loss of life, we thank God that our brave Troopers made it home safe to their families.”

Immediately after the TVI, the suspect’s vehicle collided with another Trooper’s vehicle, injuring an ASP Sergeant, who was treated and released from a local hospital. Traffic on I-40 East was disrupted for more than 3 hours.

The incident is under investigation by ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division.