Arkansas State Police Investigating Incident Involving Tactical Vehicle Intervention During Child Medical Emergency

Trooper performed TVI maneuver after driver failed to stop, unaware of medical situation

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Arkansas State Police is investigating an incident in which a trooper performed a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) after a driver failed to stop during an attempted traffic stop on Interstate 630 in downtown Little Rock. The driver was transporting a child experiencing a medical emergency to a nearby hospital, which the trooper was unaware of at the time. No injuries resulted from the incident, and the state police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the encounter.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the need for improved communication between law enforcement and the public during emergency medical situations, as well as the potential risks and consequences of TVI maneuvers, which are used to stop fleeing vehicles but can be dangerous if the driver's intent is not fully understood.

The details

According to the Arkansas State Police, the incident occurred on February 20th around 8:28 a.m. when a trooper attempted to stop a vehicle on I-630. The vehicle did not pull over, prompting the trooper to conduct a TVI. Police later determined the driver was transporting a child experiencing a medical emergency to a nearby hospital, which the trooper was unaware of at the time. The trooper immediately requested an ambulance after learning of the emergency, and the child was transported to a hospital for treatment.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, February 20, 2026 at approximately 8:28 a.m.

The players

Arkansas State Police

The state law enforcement agency that is investigating the incident.

Col. Mike Hagar

The director of the Arkansas State Police who commented on the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Knowing all that we do now, we agree with the prosecutor's decision to drop all charges against the driver.”

— Col. Mike Hagar, Director, Arkansas State Police (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The Arkansas State Police Office of Professional Standards Division has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the encounter.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of clear communication between law enforcement and the public, especially during emergency medical situations, to ensure the safety of all involved and avoid unnecessary escalation of encounters.