High Speed Pursuit! Intoxicated Dad flees at 140 MPH with INFANT on lap

Note: The local newspaper chose to run this story with the following headline "State trooper rams fleeing vehicle with 2 children inside it in North Little Rock." It is important to note that the Trooper did not know Wright's two children, a 4-year-old and a 6-month-old, both of whom were injured in the crash, were in the car. Charges: -Fleeing -Endangering welfare of a minor x2 -DWI -Reckless driving -Driving w/ lights off to avoid detection -Speeding -No seatbelt -No child seat -Refusal to submit to chemical test Trooper's Report: On September 15, 2025, at approximately 9:09 PM, I was patrolling Interstate 630 westbound near the 6-mile marker. I observed a white passenger car entering I-630 westbound from the John Barrow Road on-ramp. The vehicle began to accelerate rapidly and reached a speed of 80 miles per hour in a posted 55 MPH zone, confirmed using the front antenna of my radar unit. I began to follow the vehicle and caught up to it as it transitioned from I-630 westbound to I-430 northbound. I activated my emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle pulled to the right shoulder of I-430 near the 7-mile marker. I conducted a passenger-side approach, but as I reached my passenger door, the suspect vehicle fled the scene. I immediately initiated a vehicle pursuit and notified dispatch. The suspect vehicle continued northbound on I-430, passing the 8-mile marker at speeds reaching 130 MPH. The driver was cutting through traffic, operating the vehicle recklessly, and then turned off all vehicle lights while still traveling northbound. The pursuit continued over the river bridge with speeds reaching approximately 135 MPH. The suspect then exited at Exit 12 for Maumelle Boulevard. At the top of the off-ramp, the suspect momentarily lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the front bumper becoming detached. The suspect regained control and continued westbound on Maumelle Boulevard at speeds up to 120 MPH, again driving recklessly—cutting through traffic, passing vehicles on the shoulder, and disregarding red traffic signals at intersections. I attempted to position myself for a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver but was initially unable to do so due to surrounding traffic. As the suspect vehicle entered a curve and reduced speed, I was able to reposition for a TVI on the driver's side. The suspect then abruptly braked, causing me to pass him. He attempted to pass me on the driver's side, and when his vehicle was properly positioned, I performed a TVI maneuver. The suspect's vehicle rotated clockwise, left the roadway on the right side, overturned onto its driver’s side, and struck a tree. I immediately requested EMS and approached the vehicle to take the suspect into custody. Upon approaching the vehicle, I heard children crying and immediately updated dispatch to report that small children were present in the car. Once backup units arrived, I moved to the back window and observed a toddler crying and the driver, later identified as Willie Wright Jr., holding an infant in his arms. Mr. Wright initially refused to allow the toddler to exit the vehicle and would not hand over the infant. After repeated commands, he eventually complied and released the toddler, who was handed off to medical personnel. Shortly after, he handed me the infant, who was also turned over to EMS. Mr. Wright was removed from the vehicle, placed on the ground, and taken into custody without further incident. A search of his person incident to arrest yielded no significant findings. Sgt. Monroe (A9) arrived on scene and read Mr. Wright his Miranda rights. Mr. Wright acknowledged that he understood and agreed to speak. He stated he had no reason for fleeing and identified himself as holding a Class A driver’s license. While speaking with Mr. Wright, I detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. Sgt. Monroe and Trooper Garrison also confirmed detecting the same odor. Mr. Wright was asked to submit to a preliminary breath test, which he refused. Further investigation of the vehicle revealed an open bottle of Jack Daniels and a Styrofoam cup containing remnants of an alcoholic beverage. There was one child safety seat in the vehicle, but it was not properly fastened. Additionally, there was no appropriate child restraint for the second child, who was only four years old. The children’s mother arrived at the scene and assumed custody of the children, who were still being treated by EMS. Mr. Wright was transported to Baptist Health Medical Center for medical clearance. After being cleared, he was transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center, where he was read a Statement of Rights and asked to submit to a urine test. Mr. Wright refused to sign the acknowledgment of rights and also refused to provide a sample. A report was filed with the Crimes Against Children Hotline.