SUSPENDED LICENSE & VERY DRUNK (0.20 BAC) on 99 Bananas - Arkansas State Police make arrest #pursuit

Trooper's Narrative: On May 6, 2026, at approximately 6:46 p.m., I observed a gray Honda Civic traveling southbound on I-540 near the 13-mile marker. I observed the Honda made an abrupt jerking movement, which caught my attention. I activated my emergency lights and observed Spiotto making excessive movements within the driver’s seat area, including leaning toward the passenger side. The vehicle continued onto the exit ramp at the 14-mile marker before coming to a stop partially in the roadway. I utilized my PA system and instructed the driver, later identified as Jonathan Spiotto, to move to the shoulder. Spiotto complied and continued to the shoulder of Highway 271, but did not come to a complete stop until I again instructed him over the PA. Upon making contact, Spiotto refused to make eye contact. I observed a bottle, appearing to be an alcoholic beverage, inside a brown sack on the passenger-side floorboard. When asked multiple times for his driver’s license, Spiotto appeared confused and instead provided the vehicle registration and insurance documentation. I detected the odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle. I returned to my patrol unit to retrieve my PBT. I then gave Spiotto multiple verbal commands to exit the vehicle, which he refused. Spiotto then placed the vehicle in drive and fled the scene. He traveled along the shoulder of HWY 271 before turning east onto Commerce Court and then into the parking lot of Harp’s Grocery Store at 9401 Hwy 271. Spiotto continued approximately halfway through the parking lot before coming to a stop. Cpl. Araujo arrived on scene at this point. Spiotto was again given verbal commands to exit the vehicle and walk back toward me. Spiotto stepped out but refused to comply, instead holding onto his dog and attempting to make a phone call. I maintained visual contact with both of Spiotto’s hands and, due to his continued noncompliance, I made the decision to go hands-on. I grabbed Spiotto's right arm and attempted to place his right arm behind his back, but he pulled away. I then placed my left hand in the middle of his upper back and my right hand under his arm and pushed him against his car. Spiotto continued to resist by refusing to give us his hands, but was ultimately placed in handcuffs with minimal force, due to his non-compliance. A baggie containing marijuana and a pipe was located inside his jacket pocket. I also located a bottle of “99 Bananas” alcoholic beverage in the brown sack on the passenger-side floorboard, which was nearly empty. Spiotto was driving on a DWI suspended license. Fort Smith Animal Control was contacted to take custody of the dog located inside the vehicle. Spiotto was transported to the Fort Smith Police Department, where he was advised of his rights and consented to a breath test. Spiotto provided a breath sample of 0.20 BAC. Spiotto requested a second test at his own expense and was transported to Mercy Hospital, where a blood sample was drawn. The sample will be submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Lab at Spiotto’s expense. The marijuana is being sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for further testing. Spiotto was then transported to the Sebastian County Detention Center. Spiotto's Charges: 5-54-125(d)1): Fleeing - Vehicle 27-22-104: No Liability Insurance 5-65-103 1st: Driving While Intoxicated 1st 5-65-105: Driving DWI Suspended License 5-54-103(b): Refusal To Submit To Arrest 5-71-218: Open Container Containing Alcohol In Motor Vehicle 5-64-443(a)(1): Possess Drug Paraphernalia 5-64-419(b)(5)(A): Possess Controlled Substance Sched VI - 4 oz