March 30, 2025
MORGAN, Ark. — A 19-year-old Mabelvale man was killed in a wreck following a high-speed pursuit that ended in a wreck late Saturday on Interstate 40 near the Morgan/Maumelle exit.
North Little Rock Police requested Arkansas State Police assistance just before 11 p.m. on March 29, 2025, as they were in pursuit of a vehicle traveling with headlights off at speeds exceeding 120 mph. After ASP Troopers joined the pursuit near the 145 mile-marker. The suspect driver reached 130 mph before taking Exit 142 onto Highway 365. The driver, later identified as John Bruce Martinez, lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway, striking several trees.
Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three 17-year-old passengers, all from Mabelvale, were transported to Children’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.