HAZEN, Ark. — A 29-year-old Memphis woman died as a result of injuries she sustained in a wreck following a high-speed pursuit on eastbound Interstate 40.
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, an Arkansas State Police (ASP) Trooper observed a white Dodge Ram pickup truck committing a traffic violation near the Interstate 40 173-mile marker in Lonoke County. After initiating a traffic stop, the vehicle fled, leading to an eastbound pursuit that covered 18 miles.
The suspect was endangering the lives of other motorists by exceeding 120 mph and passing vehicles on the right shoulder.
A Trooper executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) on the suspect vehicle near the 191-mile marker near Hazen in Prairie County, causing the truck to overturn and come to rest in a ditch beside the interstate.
Laterrika Woods, 29, of Memphis, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
“This tragedy is a direct result of the suspect’s reckless, selfish actions. This is another example of what can happen when a suspect flees from law enforcement,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “Fleeing suspects are terrorizing and traumatizing our communities. Our Troopers will not and cannot look the other way.”
Another passenger, Latarica Walker, 26, of Memphis, was ejected and airlifted to Baptist Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition.
The driver, Torkilo Hambrick, 30, and passenger Zuri Jones, 45, both from Memphis, were transported to UAMS and are currently in stable condition.
Charges are pending against Hambrick in Woods’ death.
During the investigation, Troopers discovered two firearms, an unknown amount of U.S. currency, a bottle of promethazine, marijuana, and narcotics in the vehicle. Hambrick was found to have an outstanding extradition warrant from Shelby County, Tennessee, for probation violation. Hambrick is a registered sex offender.
The deceased will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the cause and manner of death. The incident is under investigation by ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division.
