Dashcam shows Arkansas State Police performing TVI on driver who was rushing a child to the hospital
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Little Rock, AR - Arkansas State Police on Friday said they agree with a prosecutor’s decision to drop charges against a driver who was stopped after a pursuit in downtown Little Rock, later learning the driver was rushing a child to the hospital during a medical emergency.
The incident happened around 8:28 a.m. Feb. 20 on Interstate 630. A state trooper conducted a tactical vehicle intervention after the vehicle failed to pull over for an attempted traffic stop. No one was injured.
Authorities later determined a child inside the vehicle was experiencing a medical emergency and that the driver, the child’s parent, was trying to reach a nearby hospital. The trooper was not aware of the situation at the time of the stop.
Police said the trooper immediately requested an ambulance, which transported the child for treatment.
“Knowing all that we do now, we agree with the prosecutor’s decision to drop all charges against the driver,” ASP Director Col. Mike Hagar said in a statement. He added that the incident underscores the importance of communication when transporting someone in a private vehicle during a medical emergency.
The agency’s Office of Professional Standards Division is investigating the incident.
Several Arkansas drivers said they understand the instinct to rush in a crisis.
“I’m speeding. I have to. I’d probably look like a maniac, not going to lie,” said Logan Principato.
Montel Moore said he would focus on getting to the hospital as quickly as possible. “I’m not thinking about it, so I would take that ticket or whatever, and take care of that loved one,” he said.
Robert Shelton said health would come first. “I’m gone. I still, I gotta get my family member to the hospital. You know what I’m saying? Health is always first,” he said.
At the same time, some acknowledged officers are doing their jobs and may not know the full situation. “Definitely pulling them over. It’s the rational thing to do,” Principato said when asked what he would do as an officer.
State police urged anyone transporting someone during a medical emergency to call 911 if possible, identify the vehicle, provide the destination and route, and always stop for law enforcement.