Suspect flung from vehicle after highspeed chase on bridge

Suspect also led Shelby county authorities on chase last year

By DONALD WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Authorities were in hot pursuit of a suspect on Interstate 40 on the evening of June 22, 2024. ASP Trooper Collier Wright was noti_ed that West Memphis police were chasing a grey Dodge Caravan with Mississippi license plate number MHH703. The suspect was driving at speeds over 100 miles per hour and ignoring police lights and sirens.

Trooper Wright took over as the primary unit in pursuit and conducted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) at the 283-mile marker. The driver, later identi_ed as Theon Rashad Loveberry, lost control of the van, causing it to hit a concrete barrier and eject him from the vehicle. The van continued moving backwards over him before coming to a stop in the center lane. Loveberry, although injured from the incident, ed on foot northbound across the westbound lanes of traf_c. A West Memphis of_cer gave chase while Trooper Wright cleared the vehicle to ensure no other occupants were inside. Additional law enforcement units, including a K9 team, arrived on the scene to assist in the pursuit of Loveberry, who was eventually apprehended in the nearby tree line. An ambulance was called to the scene to treat Loveberry’s injuries sustained during the incident. He was later transported to Regional One for

See LOVEBERRY, page A2

LOVEBERRY

The moment Loveberry crashed into the center median and was flung from his vehicle.

Photo by ASP LOVEBERRY

From page A1

further medical attention.

Less than one year ago, Loveberry, a 28-year-old native of Mississippi, was arrested in Shelby County on charges of domestic abuse, burglary, reckless endangerment, and attempting to evade law enforcement after allegedly forcing his way into the home of an ex-girlfriend, taking her keys and phone, strangling her and making sexual demands.

A protection order was issued against Loveberry after he threatened to harm his ex-girlfriend, her family, himself and anyone she might date. When police attempted to arrest Loveberry he fled driving on the wrong side of the road and striking several other cars in the process.

Loveberry has already made bail and been released in Crittenden County.