Driver Ejected & Kia Optima sent UPSIDE DOWN on private club in Little Rock after high speed pursuit

Report: On 7/31/2026 at approximately 9:11 P.M., I, Trooper James Booth, was traveling eastbound on I-40 near the 154-mile marker when I observed a white Kia Optima bearing license plate (987ZAO) driving left of center and failing to maintain control. I initiated a traffic stop near westbound I-30 at the 141-mile marker. The vehicle continued to travel, taking exit 140, then began signaling to change lanes back onto westbound I-30. The vehicle came to a stop on the right shoulder near the 139 exit. I exited my patrol car and approached the passenger side. I introduced myself, stated the reason for the stop, and identified the agency I work for. I asked the driver, later identified as Patrick Johns, “why it took so long to pull over.” He replied, “I was looking for a spot to pull over.” I then instructed Mr. Johns to turn the car off. At that point, he put the car in gear and began to flee. I radioed Troop A Communications that I was in pursuit. Mr. Johns took the 139 exit off ramp onto I-630 west. Mr. Johns began to weave in and out of traffic, reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour. Several times while fleeing, Mr. Johns nearly struck motorists in an attempt to get away. Mr. Johns took the University Exit, traveling north, still exceeding the speed limit. Mr. Johns continued to travel north on University at speeds over 90 miles per hour. Mr. Johns ran a red light at Cantrell and University and began traveling east on Cantrell. While on Cantrell, Mr. Johns began traveling in the opposing lane of travel. While on Cantrell, passing Cedar Hill, Mr. Johns continued to drive erratically. I was advised via radio traffic that it was a Friday night and the pursuit was heading to a populated area. I responded to standby for a T.V.I. (Tactical Vehicle Intervention). I made my approach to the driver's side of the vehicle. Using my pit bumper, I made contact with the suspect vehicle on my passenger side, to their driver's side rear. I radioed Troop A Communications a successful T.V.I. and to start MEMS to my location. The vehicle left the roadway and overturned in front of Club 1836. The vehicle struck a power pole ground cable and the brick terraces in front of Club 1836. The vehicle knocked over the Club 1836 sign as it came to rest. Mr. Johns was ejected and lying flat on his chest. LRPD and other troopers arrived at the scene to assist with stabilization and securing the scene. MEMS arrived, and Mr. Johns was transported to UAMS with non-life-threatening injuries. The vehicle was towed by East End towing. A search of the vehicle was conducted. A bright-colored package containing marijuana was found inside the vehicle and lying on the ground where the vehicle was overturned. An opened container of alcohol was also found in the center console. Evidence was collected and submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Lab. Mr. Johns is charged with the following: DRIVING LEFT OF CENTER (27-51-301), NO SEATBELT(27-37-702), POSSESS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SCHED VI 4 OZ 5-64-419.(5)A), FLEEING - VEHICLE OR CONVEYANCE - EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMIT (5-54-125(d)(2)2023, UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A VEHICLE (5-36-108), CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - 2ND DEGREE (DAMAGE - $5,000) (5-38-204), OPEN CONTAINER CONTAINING ALCOHOL IN MOTOR VEHICLE (5-71-218)