Officer Chris Rankin

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Fleeing/ Aggravated Assault on an Officer

A Texarkana Arkansas Police patrol car was rammed when the officer attempted to pull the driver over for suspicion of DWI. On 8-4-06 at 2:40am officer Billy Smith initiated a traffic stop on a Dodge pickup after the driver ran a red light at E.9th and Hickory. The officer activated his emergency lights and attempted to pull the truck over. The truck continued west turned south onto Hazel Street before coming to a brief stop.

As officer Smith was exiting his vehicle the driver of the truck put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated at a high rate of speed causing his tires to spin. The truck rammed into the patrol unit's bumber and hood and then fled from the scene. Officer Smith sustained minor injuries during this assault.

Officer Smith gave chase and pursued the suspect to the intersection of E.4th and Walnut where the suspect again stopped and attempted to back up into the officers vehicle. Officer Smith was able to avoid this second attempt and the pursuit continued westbound into Texas.

Smith pursued the truck to Lelia Street and eventually to South Lelia. The suspect eventually struck a pole and disabled the truck as he attempted to drive through the parking lot of the stockyard on Beaumont Street. He was then taken into custody by Officer Smith and other responding Texas and Arkansas police units.

The suspect was arrested by TTPD for DWI, and he is also being held on Arkansas felony charges of Aggravated Assault against Officer Smith, as well as charges of Criminal Mischief 1st degree, and Fleeing. He was also charged with Reckless Driving. He is awaiting extradition to Arkansas at this time.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.