April 2, 2024

JENNETTE, Ark.– On Monday, April 1, 2024, at approximately 9:24 p.m., an Arkansas State Trooper attempted to stop a vehicle traveling eastbound on Interstate 40 near Exit 265 in Crittenden County. The driver, identified as Courtney Ridgeway, 28, of Smyrna, Tenn., failed to stop. Troopers pursued the fleeing vehicle, which reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour for approximately two miles on Bing’s Store Road.

Ridgeway lost control of her vehicle on the gravel road and crashed into a ditch. The Crittenden County Coroner pronounced Ridgeway deceased at the scene at approximately 10:42 p.m.

Two passengers in the suspect’s vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

“This incident underscores why Arkansas State Police has been cautioning the public for months about the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar.  “Fleeing is reckless and has serious consequences. When you see blue lights in your rearview mirror, be smart. Pull over.”