Infant Ejected After High-Speed Chase in Arkansas; Four Children Were in SUV

A 4-month-old infant was thrown from an SUV when the vehicle rolled during a high-speed police pursuit in Camden, Arkansas, authorities say. The driver allegedly fled from an Arkansas State Police trooper at speeds exceeding 100 mph while carrying four young children, all under the age of six.

Crash and Rescue

According to officials, a trooper attempted to stop a Toyota Highlander for an alleged traffic violation when the driver — later identified as 28-year-old Tyrice Fletcher — accelerated and fled. Law enforcement says the vehicle reached speeds over 100 mph and that two attempts at tactical vehicle intervention failed.

After a lengthy pursuit, police say Fletcher lost control while negotiating a curve, struck a light pole and rolled the SUV. Dashcam video released by Arkansas State Police appears to show the infant being ejected during the rollover. The wrecked vehicle landed dangerously close to live power lines.

Officers on scene pulled the infant from the roadway, extricated the other three children from the smoking vehicle and brought all four youngsters to safety. The children were taken to Ouachita County Medical Center and treated for minor injuries; authorities contacted the children’s mother at the hospital.

Investigation and Charges

Investigators report finding a defaced firearm and marijuana inside the Highlander. Fletcher was arrested at the scene. Records reviewed by local media indicate he is an alleged convicted felon and is being held at the Ouachita County Detention Center on $100,000 bond.

He faces multiple charges including four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, felony fleeing, reckless driving, possession of a firearm by certain persons, and possession of a controlled substance, according to media reports and law enforcement statements.

"As a father, I cannot fathom a parent making the decision to drive recklessly, much less flee from law enforcement, with their children in the vehicle," Col. Mike Hagar of the Arkansas State Police said. Troop F Capt. Rick Neill added that the suspect's decisions placed four innocent victims in harm's way and that the danger was the direct result of the driver's actions.

Dashcam footage and further investigation remain part of the ongoing inquiry into the chase and crash. Authorities are reviewing evidence and witness statements as the case proceeds.