WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — Two men were taken into custody by Arkansas State Police after leading troopers on a high-speed chase on the night of July 20.
According to reports, officials were pursuing a black 2021 Fort Mustang that was witnessed driving recklessly and nearly causing collisions.
The vehicle allegedly passed through the intersection at Broadway Blvd. and Martin Luther King Drive in West Memphis at speeds over 100mph, which initiated a high-speed chase.
Troopers followed the vehicle onto the Interstate 55 South Service Road, where the suspect turned north and traveled onto the North Service Road. At the intersection of the I-55 North Service Road and MLK, troopers performed a successful tactical vehicle intervention (TVI).
Both occupants exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot into a grassy field.
ASP troopers secured the area with help from the West Memphis Police Department and located the two individuals.
The driver was identified as 23-year-old Kylan Cunningham of Drummonds, Tenn., and the passenger as 23-year-old Tre’Von Burnett of Covington, Tenn.
A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded black Tauras handgun, multiple vehicle key fobs, a vehicle key programming device, and illegal marijuana. Both the suspect vehicle and seized handgun had been reported as stolen.
Cunningham was charged with multiple felony counts, including possession of firearms by a certain person, fleeing, theft by receiving, and criminal conspiracy, along with other charges.
Burnett was charged with felony theft by receiving and criminal conspiracy, among other charges.
“We are taking every opportunity to warn the public about the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement. Fleeing is reckless and selfish,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar. "ASP Troopers will not tolerate activity that risks the lives of innocent civilians. We will stop fleeing suspects, and the consequences will be severe."
