No one was injured. Arkansas State Police administrators extended apologies to the motorist involved, who has requested to remain unidentified and asked for privacy.
“We are thankful no one was injured in this incident, and we appreciate this motorist accepting the situation with grace,” said Col. Mike Hagar, director of the Arkansas State Police. “Even though we know humans sometimes make mistakes, a mistake of this nature has serious consequences.”
According to ASP, the incident began Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., when a trooper observed a white Buick Envista traveling 92 mph in a 60-mph zone on I-630 eastbound in Little Rock. The trooper stopped the vehicle near the 6-mile marker and identified the driver as Johnny Williams, 38, of Little Rock.
During the stop, the trooper detected a strong odor believed to be marijuana and confirmed Williams was driving on a suspended license. When the trooper returned to the vehicle and instructed Williams to step out, Williams refused and fled the stop, continuing eastbound on I-630.
The trooper returned to his patrol unit, briefly lost sight of the suspect vehicle, and notified dispatch that he was in pursuit. As the trooper reentered traffic, he observed a white SUV ahead that was not exceeding the speed limit and exited I-630 at Exit 5. Believing it to be the fleeing suspect vehicle, the trooper executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention to prevent the pursuit from entering city streets.
After the SUV stopped, the trooper exited his patrol unit and ordered the driver out at gunpoint. When the female driver exited the vehicle, the trooper realized he had stopped the wrong vehicle and that the suspect had escaped. The trooper immediately apologized to the driver.
Williams later turned himself in to Arkansas State Police Troop A headquarters on Jan. 20. He was arrested on felony charges of fleeing and misdemeanor charges of failing to obey a police officer, driving on a suspended license, and speeding more than 15 mph over the posted limit.
ASP officials said troopers have been involved in 4,719 pursuits since 2016 and have conducted 1,428 Tactical Vehicle Interventions. Of those, only two involved mistaken identity of the suspect vehicle.
“The Arkansas State Police is committed to protecting the public while holding itself to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” Hagar said. “In this incident, the trooper quickly recognized the mistake, ensured the uninvolved driver was safe, and took responsibility on scene. We remain focused on continuous improvement to maintain the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.”
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