The Arkansas State Police is investigating the use of deadly force following the pursuit of a suspect in Garland County on March 18.
State Police say that two Garland County men are in custody following a law enforcement pursuit in Hot Springs. Police say the incident began about 8:45 a.m. as a sheriff’s deputy spotted the pair leaving a Lakeland Drive residence in a vehicle displaying a stolen license plate.
According to state police, as a Garland County sheriff’s deputy pursued the suspect vehicle and approached the area near Trivista Street and Central Avenue, a second sheriff’s deputy moved his vehicle into the path of the fleeing car.
The driver of the vehicle, according to police, was 32-year-old Steven L. Tucker, who police say attempted to evade law enforcement and rammed the deputy’s vehicle blocking Central Avenue.
According to police, as Tucker’s vehicle continued to move toward the second vehicle, an Arkansas State Trooper used his vehicle to block the suspect’s escape. The impact caused Tucker to lose control of the vehicle, then striking a third sheriff’s deputy who fired his gun at Tucker who sustained a non-life threatening wound.
The passenger in the vehicle was identified as 31-year-old Keldrick C. Evans of Hot Springs, and he exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Police say that Tucker exited the vehicle and began to physically resist officers who attempted to take him into custody, although he was subsequently restrained and arrested.
According to police, Evans was arrested on an outstanding warrant for parole violation. Tucker was charged with felony fleeing and aggravated assault. Both have been placed into the custody of the Garland County Sheriff’s Department.
State Police are investigating the incident and will prepare an investigative file to submit to the Garland County prosecuting attorney to determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with state laws.