Suspended driver slams through gate and hits tree fleeing Arkansas State Police #pursuit #chase

Trooper's Report: On 04/13/2026 at approximately 0940 hours, I, Trooper Zach Hoofman #610, was conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of Central Ave and W Grand Ave. While speaking with the driver and concluding my investigation, I heard tires squealing from W Grand Ave. I turned and observed a blue Chevrolet Silverado turning onto W Grand Ave from Central Ave and accelerating rapidly, causing the rear tires to lose traction and drift into both westbound lanes. The vehicle continued westbound on W Grand Ave at a high rate of speed. I concluded my traffic stop, activated my emergency equipment, and proceeded westbound on W Grand Ave in an attempt to catch up to the vehicle. I was able to position myself behind the vehicle near the intersection of W Grand Ave and 7th St. The vehicle continued westbound, accelerating to approximately 60–70 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. I initiated pursuit, and we continued westbound on W. Grand Ave until reaching the intersection with Lacey St. At this location, the roadway curves left and becomes Lacey St; however, the vehicle continued straight, leaving the roadway and striking a metal gate belonging to the National Park Service. The vehicle continued forward before striking a tree and coming to a stop. The impact caused approximately $1,500.00 in damage to the gate and gate post, and approximately $500.00 in damage to the tree. Officers with the Hot Springs Police Department and I ordered the driver, the sole occupant identified as Rene Elorza- Altamirano to exit the vehicle. After several commands, Altamirano failed to comply and exit the vehicle. Due to his non-compliance, Sgt. Green with the Hot Springs Police Department retrieved his less-than-lethal shot gun and deployed a single round into the rear glass window. This allowed us to communicate directly with Altamirano, who then exited the vehicle and was placed into custody. Following his arrest, officers located an open, cold alcoholic beverage (Corona beer bottle) in the driver’s seat. Further investigation revealed that Altamirano was operating a vehicle that did not belong to him and that his driver’s license was suspended for DWI. Altamirano provided a breath sample into my PBT (Preliminary Breath Test) which had a result under 0.08. Altamirano's mouth and lips were bleeding and Lifenet responded and advised that his lip would need stitching. I transported Altamirano to CHI St. Vincent Hospital to be treated for his injuries. Later, a Garland County Deputy responded to the Hospital and took over custody of Altamirano. He was charged with Fleeing, unauthorized use of property to facilitate a crime, open container, criminal mischief-second degree, and driving while license is suspended DWI. Altamirano received a traffic citation for his speed- more than 15 mph over and careless and prohibited driving.