Audi from Kentucky flees at 120 mph before being SPIKED by Arkansas State Police ending pursuit #pit

Report: On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, I, Trooper Josh Middleton, was stationary in the median of Interstate 40 observing eastbound traffic. I observed a white Audi passenger car displaying Kentucky license plate S6Z455, registered to Erik Santos of Louisville, Kentucky, following too closely behind a semi-truck. I also observed the vehicle displaying a dark-colored cover over the license plate, obstructing the plate from clear visibility. I attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle near mile marker 174 by activating my emergency lights. The vehicle continued traveling at a normal speed and failed to yield. I then activated my siren and advised dispatch of the traffic stop. The vehicle continued eastbound without showing any indication of pulling over and then accelerated in an attempt to flee. I advised dispatch that the vehicle was fleeing. During the pursuit, the vehicle repeatedly passed traffic on the shoulder of the interstate and reached speeds of approximately 120 miles per hour. Near mile marker 183, Cpl. Jacob Price successfully deployed spike strips, striking the front passenger-side tire of the suspect vehicle and causing it to deflate. Despite the damage, the vehicle continued fleeing eastbound. Near mile marker 185, the vehicle lost the front passenger-side tire and moved onto the shoulder, slowing as if preparing to stop. The vehicle then continued traveling on the shoulder. Due to the vehicle slowing significantly, I attempted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) and made contact with the driver’s side rear door. The vehicle then came to a stop. A Hispanic male wearing all black clothing exited the vehicle from the passenger side and fled on foot southbound through a farm field. The vehicle slowly rolled forward until coming to rest against a fence line in the ditch. The subject, later identified as Erik Daniel Santos, continued fleeing south toward Highway 70 until assisting units were able to take him into custody. After being detained, Santos advised Cpl. Price that he fled because he believed the vehicle was stolen. Santos was transported to the Lonoke County Detention Center and charged with Felony Fleeing in a Vehicle and Misdemeanor Fleeing on Foot.