BENTON, Ark. Arkansas State Police Troopers Cpl. Dustin Carpenter, Cpl. Christopher Barnett, and Cpl. Marcus Simpson were jointly awarded the prestigious Arkansas State Trooper of the Year Award for 2025 at the annual Arkansas Police Awards ceremony, hosted by the Arkansas State Police Foundation, today at the Benton Events Center.
The three Troopers were honored for their bravery and quick thinking during a high-speed pursuit and standoff on U.S. Highway 67 in Jackson County on Friday, October 11, 2024.
ASP troopers initiated the pursuit to stop Isaiah Cross, 50, of Blossom, Texas, who had been driving aggressively towards a marked ASP unit while traveling at speeds exceeding 120 mph northbound between Newport and Bradford in Jackson County.
Troopers managed to stop Cross, which led to a standoff. ASP crisis negotiators worked with Cross to resolve the situation peacefully. Despite orders to exit the vehicle, Cross refused and threatened officers, claiming he had a weapon. About 30 minutes later, Cross fled the scene, driving south in the northbound lane at speeds exceeding 100 mph for approximately 10 miles into heavy oncoming traffic.
“It’s a special day for us because we get to recognize publicly what we all know privately, which is that Troopers and their families serve this state with honor and integrity,” Col. Mike Hagar said. “We are so grateful for your sacrifice and service.”
Troopers employed deadly force to stop Cross, firing at him when there was a gap in traffic. The suspect vehicle ran off the roadway into the ditch, where it caught fire.
Two Troopers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.
Their actions exemplify the mission of the Arkansas State Police.
During the ceremony, Arkansas State Police Foundation President Elizabeth Anderson introduced the keynote speaker, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.
“If you’re not safe, you’re not free,” General Griffin addressed Troopers in his remarks. “I know that each of you serve not for recognition, but from a deep sense of duty.”
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