JamesHarrell_202301261736_300957_80478582

On 01/26/2023 at approximately 0538 PM, I, Trooper James Harrell was monitoring the radio and heard a Jefferson County Sherriff Deputy advise he had a vehicle failing to stop and actively fleeing. I then heard the deputy advise he was in pursuit of the vehicle. I continued to monitor the radio and began responding to the area for assistance. The pursuit continued north on University Avenue and was headed towards US Highway 79B. Lieutenant Chris Grider with the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office requested our assistance as the pursuit headed north out of Pine Bluff and onto US Highway 79B.
Trooper Shane Caviness and I caught up to the suspect vehicle that was actively fleeing, and I took over as primary unit in the pursuit. I advised all units involved in the pursuit to slow down and allow me space to perform a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT). We travelled approximately a quarter of a mile, and I was able to move up to the driver side of the suspect vehicle and execute the PIT maneuver at approximately 5:44 PM. The PIT maneuver was successful and sent the suspect vehicle spinning to the left where it struck the left side of my unit. The suspect vehicle came to a stop in the number two traffic lane where Trooper Caviness and other deputies pinned the vehicle in. While attempting to pin the suspect vehicle in, the right side of Trooper Caviness’ vehicle made contact with the left side of the suspect vehicle. Both occupants of the suspect vehicle were then taken into custody without further incident.

Charges:

The suspect, who was identified as Ricky Cole (B/M, DOB 09/09/1963) was charged with the following charges by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Speeding 27-50-301, Fail to Yield at Intersection 27-51-503, Fail to Present Proof of Insurance 27-22-104, Fail to Obey Stop Sign 27-51-601, Driving on Suspended 27-16-303, Owner Fail to Register/Expired Tags 27-14- 701, Reckless Driving 27-50-302, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 05-64-443 and Felony Fleeing 5-54-125.

Vehicle Damage:

Vehicle 1, a White Chevrolet Malibu (Suspect Vehicle) sustained damage to the vehicle due to the intentional intervention (PIT) performed from V-2, which was operated by Trooper Harrell. Estimated cost of damage is $3000.00. V-1 also sustained minor damage to driver’s door because of Trooper S. Caviness pinning the vehicle from further flight after the PIT. Vehicle 2, Arkansas State Police fleet number 300957 (E-11) sustained damage on the driver side of his vehicle from the front fender to the rear fender after the intentional intervention (PIT) on the suspect vehicle. Estimated cost of damage $4000.00
Vehicle 3, Arkansas State Police fleet number 301514 (E-16) sustained minor damage on the passenger side front and rear doors due to him pinning the suspect vehicle to prevent it from fleeing further after the intentional intervention (PIT). Estimated cost of damage $1500.