Cadillac CTS driver w/ felony warrant hits 130+MPH during pursuit/Endangering welfare of minor #pit

Report: On July 4, 2026, at approximately 2:09 PM, I, Trooper Nick Ade of the Arkansas State Police, was stationary at the Department of Transportation pull-off just east of the power plant in Newark on Arkansas State Highway 69. A white Cadillac CTS passed my location matching the description of a vehicle associated with a driver who had an active felony warrant. I pulled onto the highway approximately one-half mile behind the vehicle. As we continued westbound approaching the power plant, I noted that I was not closing distance sufficiently to obtain the license plate. At that time, I obtained a front radar lock of 66 mph in a 55 mph zone. As we entered the straight stretch east of Arkansas State Highway 122, the vehicle accelerated rapidly and was observed traveling well over 100 mph, passing other motorists. I activated my emergency lights and sirens and notified Troop B Dispatch that I was initiating a pursuit. I continued attempting to close the gap with the suspect vehicle, reaching speeds of 130+ mph on wet pavement while heading west toward Newark. The operator drove recklessly through light traffic entering Magness, then turned onto Brittany Street, which loops back toward State Highway 69. Once the vehicle returned eastbound on Highway 69, I was able to obtain the license plate, which was determined to be fictitious. As we re-approached Newark and I had closed the distance, I looked for an opportunity to perform a TVI maneuver. When I first set up, the driver began braking. The driver continued braking but did not come to a complete stop as I was beside the vehicle. I attempted the TVI; however, due to the driver’s continued braking and my higher speed, my patrol vehicle slid along the driver’s side of the suspect vehicle, ultimately ending the pursuit. At that point, the driver and three juvenile passengers were ordered out of the vehicle and detained without further incident. It was determined the juveniles were seeking a ride from Newport to Batesville and were not involved in the driver’s actions. They were released to family on scene or transported to their residences by other ASP personnel. The driver, Zavian Dodson, was transported to the Independence County Detention Center and placed on a probable cause hold pending formal charges related to the pursuit. The CACD hotline was contacted regarding the three juveniles present in the vehicle. Restitution will be sought through the prosecutor’s office for damages to state property. Charges to be filed: 5-54-125 (d)(2) Fleeing 5-27-205 Endangering the welfare of a minor - 1st degree 5-13-204 Aggravated Assault 27-14-306 Fictitious Tags 27-51-403 Signals for turning, stopping, or decreasing speed required 27-22-104 No liability insurance 27-37-702 No seatbelt 27-51-307 Improper passing on left 27-51-601 Fail to stop or yield