Suspect in Jeep flees traffic stop - Arkansas State Police end pursuit w/ PIT MANEUVER (Xanax found)

Report: On March 26, 2026, at approximately 12:11 PM, I was traveling northbound on North 50th Street approaching Armour Street when I observed a black 2020 Jeep Cherokee bearing Arkansas paper tag DB720693. The tag had expired in February 2026, and the vehicle displayed significant front-end damage. The vehicle made an abrupt left turn onto Armour Street in front of a red passenger vehicle, failing to yield to oncoming traffic. I activated my emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop, and the vehicle came to a stop on Armour Street near North 50th Street. Prior to approaching the vehicle, I observed the driver, later identified as Joseph Carl Bassett, making furtive movements near the center console. I gave verbal commands for Bassett to exit the vehicle and walk back toward my patrol unit. He complied but appeared nervous and avoided eye contact. I identified myself, explained the reason for the stop, and commented on his driving behavior as if he were attempting to evade me. Bassett denied this and stated he was coming from an unknown friend’s residence. Due to his behavior and suspected criminal activity, I requested consent to search the vehicle, which he refused. I then requested a K-9 unit from the Fort Smith Police Department. While waiting, I returned to my patrol unit to run Bassett’s information. At approximately 12:19 PM, Trooper Valente arrived to assist. At approximately 12:20 PM, Bassett ran back to his vehicle and fled the scene. I initiated a pursuit with Trooper Valente as the secondary unit. I attempted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver, which was initially unsuccessful. The pursuit continued westbound on Armour Street through a residential area, with speeds reaching approximately 61 mph in a 25 mph zone. The suspect vehicle ran multiple stop signs. The vehicle then traveled southbound on Midland Boulevard, reaching speeds of approximately 101 mph, in heavy traffic. The vehicle turned westbound onto Kelley Highway, approaching North 27th Street, almost striking an SUV head-on. Before reaching North 27th Street, I successfully executed a TVI maneuver, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and come to a stop in the front yard of 2440 North 27th Street. Trooper Valente positioned his vehicle behind mine and pinned the suspect vehicle. Both Trooper Valente and I provided lethal coverage and issued multiple commands for Bassett to exit the vehicle. He eventually complied and was taken into custody without further incident. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately two and a half bars of suspected Xanax in the center console, along with a glass pipe containing a white residue. These items were seized and secured in my patrol unit. Trooper Valente provided the resident of 2440 North 27th Street with a report number for damage to the front yard. Bassett was evaluated by EMS at the scene and refused medical treatment. I transported him to Baptist for medical clearance prior to booking. At the hospital, Bassett complained of shoulder pain. After being cleared, he was transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center. My patrol vehicle sustained minor cosmetic damage to the front passenger-side wraparound bumper. Trooper Valente’s vehicle sustained minor cosmetic damage to the front driver-side wraparound bumper and a damaged tire. The suspect vehicle, which already had prior front-end damage, sustained additional damage to the rear bumper. Photographs of all vehicles involved were taken and attached to this report. All items seized at the scene were submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for testing. Charges: 5-54-125(d)(3) 2023: FLEEING - FELONY - VEHICLE OR CONVEYANCE - SUBSTANTIAL DANGER OF DEATH 5-54-125(c): FLEEING - ON FOOT 5-54-102: OBSTRUCTING GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS 27-50-308(b)(1)(B) 1ST: RECKLESS DRIVING - 1ST 5-64-419(b)(4)(A)(i): POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SCHEDULE IV OR SCHEDULE V, 28 GRAMS (CLASS A MISDEMEANOR) 5-64-443(a)(2): POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA METH COCAINE 27-22-104: NO LIABILITY INSURANCE 27-14-701: OWNER FAIL TO REGISTER VEHICLE - EXPIRED TAGS 5-38-203(b)(2): CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - 1ST DEGREE (DAMAGE $1,000 - $5,000) Warrant: 5-37-305(a)(1): HOT CHECK - $1,000 1ST OFFENSE