NEWPORT, Ark. — Arkansas State Police is investigating an incident involving a highway stand-off with troopers and a high-speed chase that led to the suspect's death.
The incident happened just before 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning, troopers were working to stop a vehicle that had allegedly "driven aggressively" toward a marked ASP car while traveling at 120 mph down U.S. 67 South.
When troopers were finally able to stop the vehicle, that's when police say a standoff began between the suspect and ASP.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office was able to close off part of the highway as crisis negotiators with ASP tried to end the standoff peacefully. However, the suspect refused to exit the vehicle and instead reportedly threatened officers by saying he had a weapon.
About half an hour later, the suspect fled the scene and drove into oncoming traffic at speeds of over 100mph.
Reports state that troopers then fired at the driver while there was a "gap in traffic." The suspect vehicle then ran off the road and into a ditch before catching fire, police said.
The suspect died while at the scene and has been taken to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.
Two troopers also had non-life-threatening injuries from the incident.
Agents with the Criminal Investigative Division will soon prepare an investigative file that will be submitted to the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney to determine if the use of deadly force is in accordance with Arkansas Law.
We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.