Suspect jumps off bridge after ‘blind’ high-speed chase
Vehicle’s hood opens during pursuit
By DON WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
A routine traf_c stop in West Memphis took a dramatic turn last month, leading to a high-speed chase, a crash, and a 35-foot fall by the driver. Arkansas State Trooper Dairren Evans initiated the stop on Southland Drive after observing a gray sedan with a defective headlight and improper license plate.
The incident began when Trooper Evans, stationed on the shoulder of Southland Drive, noticed the vehicle turning from Ingram Boulevard. Upon pulling the car over, Evans discovered additional violations, including a defective taillight and a lack of registration. However, as he approached the vehicle, the driver suddenly accelerated, eeing the scene.
The suspect’s attempted escape quickly turned dangerous. The hood of the sedan ew open, obstructing the driver’s view as the car veered into oncoming traf_c and ran a stop sign at Southland Drive and Martin Luther King Drive. While maneuvering recklessly, the driver nearly collided with a semi-truck and drove over a raised median to access the I-40 East entrance ramp near mile marker 281.
The suspect continued evasive tactics on the interstate, including brake-checking and weaving across lanes, posing a signi_cant hazard to other motorists. To protect public safety, Trooper Evans performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), causing the sedan to spin out and strike a concrete barrier.
As the vehicle came to a stop, Biggs exited from the passenger door adjacent to the railing and in one swift motion ung himself backwards and fell approximately 35 feet to the ground below. A clearly shocked Trooper Evans radioed, “He jumped! He jumped!” as he approached the dark precipice in search of the suspect below.
Evans then immediately called for medical assistance and found Biggs unconscious upon reaching him. Biggs briey regained consciousness and attempted to stand but was instructed to remain seated. He was transported to Regional One Hospital for treatment and further evaluation.
The vehicle’s passenger, identi_ed as Andreka Dixon, was taken into custody without incident. While Dixon complained of injuries, she declined transport by Crittenden EMS and was later released after being interviewed. Further investigation revealed that the sedan was unregistered and uninsured.
Dash cam footage shows the hood of the suspect vehicle which opened during the chase as well and the moment just before he hurtled himself backwards over the bridge.
Source: ASP
