Arkansas State Trooper Caviness Chases Motorcylce On I 530

On 6/26/2023, I, Trooper Shane Caviness, was patrolling northbound on Interstate 530 between mile markers 34 and 35 when I received a call from Trooper J. Harrell. Trooper Harrell informed me that he was traveling northbound on Interstate 530, slightly north of mile marker 30, and observed a motorcycle traveling southbound on Interstate 530 at approximately 108 MPH. I decided to exit the interstate at exit number 34 and turn around to the southbound side, parking adjacent to the interstate at Interstate 530 southbound on-ramp number 34. I then monitored traffic while waiting for the motorcycle to approach my location. I waited for a short time when I observed a motorcycle operated by a black male, later identified as Terry Raglin, crest the overpass behind me at a high rate of speed. I activated my rear radar and received a speed return of 106 MPH in a 75 MPH zone. He then passed me and began accelerating as he swerved between the left and right travel lanes to overtake vehicles. I initiated my emergency lights and siren as I accelerated, catching up to the motorcycle as it exited Interstate 530 southbound at mile marker 35. Mr. Raglin then approached a truck that had exited the interstate in front of him, merging onto the right shoulder and overtaking the truck as he accelerated in an apparent attempt to evade me. I informed Troop E dispatch of Mr. Raglin's actions and that I was in pursuit. As Mr. Raglin continued to flee on U.S. Highway 65 B (Martha Mitchell Expressway), he accelerated to speeds of approximately 130 MPH in the 55 MPH zone. As he fled, he would overtake vehicles, merging between both the left and right lanes to avoid them. As we approached the Intersection of Bryant Street, the traffic signal turned green as Mr. Raglin proceeded into the intersection. He then conducted a U-turn onto the westbound travel lanes of U.S. Highway 65 B. Mr. Raglin then substantially slowed as he began to turn left onto the raised concrete divider between the east and westbound travel lanes. Due to Mr. Raglin coming to almost a stop and having to walk the motorcycle over the divide, I decided that this would create the best opportunity to end the pursuit and minimize any injury and damage to property. I began to slow and cross over
the concrete divider behind Mr. Raglin. I attempted to maneuver my vehicle toward the motorcycle's rear tire and conduct an intentional intervention. Mr. Raglin, however, decided to pivot over the concrete divider, turning in front of my patrol vehicle. While traveling approximately 13 MPH, I conducted an intentional intervention, striking the motorcycle and Mr. Raglins left leg with the front bumper guard of my patrol unit. This impact caused Mr. Raglin to fall into the hood of my patrol vehicle before falling onto the ground in front of my patrol vehicle, with the motorcycle falling onto its right side to the left of Mr. Raglin. I exited my vehicle, informing Mr. Raglin to show his hands. Mr. Raglin did not move, But I could see that his hands were clear. I then approached Mr. Raglin, grabbing his arm and rotating his body, placing him in the prone position. I was then able to place Mr. Raglin in handcuffs. I then instructed Mr. Raglin to assist me in standing him up, but he continued to lie on the ground. I could see that he was blinking and had no apparent wounds to his head or upper body, so I lifted him by his right armpit and laid his torso over the hood of my patrol vehicle, ensuring that he had no weapons on his person. I then attempted to walk Mr. Raglin to my patrol vehicle's rear, but he did not assist, causing me to pull him up and drag him to the back of my patrol vehicle, where I secured him in the rear seat. Due to my impacting Mr. Raglin and his motorcycle with my vehicle, Emergency Ambulance Service Inc. (EASI) was dispatched to the scene to assess Mr. Raglin for any injuries he may have sustained. Suspecting a possible fracture to his left leg, EASI transported Mr. Raglin to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock to treat his injuries,
assigning him trauma band number C146299. Mr. Raglin was then released to the care of the physicians at UAMS without further incident.

Note: As a result of this incident, the motorcycle operated by Mr. Raglin sustained minor scratches to the right side from its impact on the ground, with an estimated repair cost of $300. No damage was sustained to my patrol vehicle as a result of this incident.