Arkansas cops released footage of a terrifying 100-mph police chase involving a car carrying four small children — including a 4-month-old who was thrown from the vehicle when it rolled over.
The stomach-dropping video of the May 24 high-speed pursuit captured the moment officers attempted to pull over Tyrice Fletcher, 28, for a traffic violation in Camden, only for him to floor it and speed away.
Arkansas State Police say they had no idea children were inside the vehicle when they gave chase on Ouachita County Road 47. The wild pursuit finally came to an end when Fletcher lost control, veered off the road, struck a light pole and flipped over, according to police.
An ASP officer could be seen approaching the wreck carefully, then spotting an infant lying in the grass near the smoking vehicle and downed electrical wires in the shocking footage.
The officer swiftly scoops up the child and rushes to safety, securing the infant in the back of his cruiser while his partner stands watch over the car.
Officers soon spotted the remaining children — all under the age of 6 — still inside the overturned car, helping them out one by one and guiding them to their patrol vehicles to be checked and treated for injuries.
Visibly shaken troopers were seen wrapping the youngest children in blankets and giving them water, while other officers took Fletcher into custody. Police also recovered a defaced firearm and marijuana inside the vehicle.
Despite the terrifying crash, the children escaped with only minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to Ouachita County Medical Center. Their mother was notified of the incident.
“As a father, I cannot fathom a parent making the decision to drive recklessly, much less flee from law enforcement, with their children in the vehicle,” ASP Col. Mike Hagar said.
“I thank God the children were not injured,” he added.
“The suspect’s decisions placed four innocent victims in harm’s way,” Troop F Capt. Rick Neill said in a statement. “At any point during the pursuit, the suspect could have stopped.”
“He refused to stop. The danger created that day was the direct result of the suspect’s actions,” Neill added.
Fletcher, of El Dorado, was charged with felony fleeing, possession of a defaced firearm, possession of firearm by certain persons, four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, criminal mischief, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, four counts of no child passenger restraint, reckless driving, no driver’s license, no seatbelt and improper passing on the left.