LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A Little Rock man, Anthony Smith, 24, faces charges of felony fleeing and first-degree murder following a high-speed police chase that ended in a tragic wrong-way crash early Thursday morning.
According to authorities, the Benton Police Department requested assistance from Arkansas State Police around 2:46 a.m. as Smith fled eastward on Interstate 30, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph. During the pursuit, Smith narrowly missed other vehicles and drove over 100 mph through a construction zone, continuing on the wrong way on I-30, I-430, and an exit ramp.
At one point, a trooper attempted a PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) maneuver, but Smith evaded the attempt and continued driving north on I-430 South. The chase culminated when Smith swerved and collided head-on with 27-year-old Clifford Griffin’s vehicle near Colonel Glen Road on I-430. The impact sent both cars into a tree line, igniting a fire.
Griffin, a resident of Maumelle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Smith was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries and will be placed under arrest upon his release.
Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar expressed his condolences, stating, “The loss of this promising young man’s life is devastating. This tragedy is a direct result of the suspect’s reckless, selfish actions. The suspect terrorized an untold number of motorists who should be able to travel our roadways in peace.”
Authorities will provide updates as more information becomes available.
