Memphis Man Leads Police on 120 MPH I-40 Chase

Suspect faces multiple felony charges after high-speed pursuit and drug trafficking allegations

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A 34-year-old Memphis man is facing a slew of felony charges after leading police on a high-speed chase reaching over 120 mph along Interstate 40 in Oklahoma. Authorities allege Deandre Neal was transporting dozens of pounds of marijuana when he fled a traffic stop, sparking a pursuit that involved multiple law enforcement agencies and resulted in the recovery of the suspected drugs.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of high-speed pursuits and the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug trafficking, especially along major interstate corridors. The incident raises questions about bail reform and whether tougher penalties are needed for repeat offenders who endanger public safety.

The details

According to court documents, the incident began when a District 27 Drug Task Force agent attempted to pull over Neal's Dodge Durango on I-40 near Sallisaw, Oklahoma for a traffic violation. Neal initially stopped but then fled, leading officers on a chase that reached speeds over 120 mph. During the pursuit, Neal allegedly turned off his lights, drove on the shoulder, and had a female passenger throw objects at pursuing patrol cars. Stop sticks were eventually deployed, deflating the Durango's tires, but Neal continued driving until the vehicle came to a stop in a ditch. Neal then fled on foot before being apprehended in Arkansas. A search of the vehicle uncovered 33 individually packaged bags of marijuana weighing about 1 pound each, as well as additional loose marijuana.

  • The incident began around 8:48 p.m. on February 11, 2026 near the 306 mile marker on I-40.
  • Neal was arrested following a foot pursuit in Arkansas shortly after the vehicle came to a stop near the 329 mile marker on I-40.

The players

Deandre Neal

A 34-year-old man from Memphis, Tennessee who is facing multiple felony charges related to the high-speed pursuit and alleged drug trafficking.

Alexandria Jones

The female passenger in Neal's vehicle who allegedly threw objects at pursuing police cars during the chase.

District 27 Drug Task Force

The law enforcement agency that initiated the traffic stop and pursuit of Neal's vehicle.

Roland Police Department

One of the law enforcement agencies that assisted in the pursuit of Neal.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol

One of the law enforcement agencies that assisted in the pursuit of Neal.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to endanger the public and flee from law enforcement. This type of behavior will be met with the full force of the law.”

— Tyler Ragan, District 27 Drug Task Force Agent (Eastern Times Register)

What’s next

Neal is being held on $40,000 bond in Arkansas and will face additional charges related to the pursuit in that state's jurisdiction. A warrant has been issued for his arrest in Oklahoma.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious risks posed by high-speed pursuits and the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug trafficking, especially along major interstate corridors. It raises questions about whether tougher penalties are needed to deter repeat offenders who endanger public safety.