LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – An Arkansas State Police (ASP) Trooper has been terminated after mistakenly conducting a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) on Interstate 630 on Sunday on an innocent motorist he mistook for a fleeing suspect.
The Trooper, who was hired in October 2024 and was still on probation, was immediately placed on administrative work duty and terminated Wednesday morning.
No one was injured in the incident. ASP administration has extended apologies to the innocent driver, who has requested to remain unidentified and has requested privacy.
“We are thankful no one was injured in this incident, and we appreciate this motorist accepting the situation with grace,” Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police. “Even though we know humans sometimes make mistakes, a mistake of this nature has serious consequences.”
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, around 11:45 a.m., an ASP Trooper saw a white Buick Envista driving 92 mph in a 60-mph zone on I-630 eastbound in Little Rock.
The Trooper stopped the suspect vehicle near the 6‑mile marker and contacted the driver, Johnny Williams, 38, of Little Rock. The Trooper detected a strong odor believed to be marijuana. After checking Williams’ records, the Trooper confirmed Williams was driving on a suspended license.
When the Trooper returned to Williams’ vehicle and instructed him to step out, Williams refused and fled the stop, continuing eastbound on I‑630. The Trooper went back to his patrol unit, briefly lost sight of the suspect vehicle, and notified dispatch that he was in pursuit.
As the Trooper reentered traffic, he saw a white SUV ahead that was not exceeding the speed limit and exited I-630 at exit 5. Believing this was the fleeing suspect vehicle, the Trooper executed a TVI to prevent the pursuit from entering city streets.
After the SUV stopped, the Trooper exited his patrol unit and ordered the driver out of the vehicle at gunpoint. When the female driver got out, the Trooper realized he had stopped the wrong vehicle and that the suspect had gotten away. The Trooper quickly apologized to the driver for the mistake.
Williams turned himself in to the ASP Troop A headquarters on January 20th. He was arrested on felony charges of Fleeing and misdemeanor charges of Failing to Obey a Police Officer, Driving on a Suspended License, and Speeding more than 15 mph over the posted limit.
Since 2016, ASP Troopers have been involved in 4,719 pursuits and have conducted 1,428 TVIs. Of those 1,428 TVIs, only two have involved mistaken identity of the suspect vehicle.
“The Arkansas State Police is committed to protecting the public while holding itself to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” Col. Hagar said. “In this incident, the Trooper quickly recognized the mistake, ensured the uninvolved driver was safe, and took responsibility on scene. We remain focused on continuous improvement to maintain the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.”
