Man on Honda Grom w/ handgun in waistband runs from Arkansas State Police #pursuit #motorcycle #flee

Trooper's Narrative: On July 26th at approximately 8:30 PM, I, Trp. Landan Reather #164, observed a black Honda Grom traveling eastbound on Kelley Highway near N. 47th Street. I observed the operator, later identified as TOMMY SYASITH SOMPHOUNOUT 2ND, was not wearing the required eye protection and the motorcycle did not display a license plate. As SOMPHOUNOUT observed my marked patrol unit, he accelerated. I made a U-turn, activated my emergency lights and siren, and attempted to catch up to conduct a traffic stop. I observed the motorcycle already driving in a reckless manner, splitting the lanes of travel and running the red light as he turned north onto N. 50th Street. SOMPHOUNOUT continued to operate in such a manner that put other motorists in substantial danger by splitting between vehicles, passing traffic in a marked no passing zone, failing to stop at posted stop signs, and traveling above the posted speed limit. SOMPHOUNOUT then turned west onto Howell Street, north onto N. 46th Street for approximately one-half block, then west into the alley between Howell Street and Spradling Avenue. At the intersection of the alley and N. 45th Street, SOMPHOUNOUT lost control of the motorcycle and laid it on its side. As he attempted to lift the motorcycle, I positioned the front driver side of my patrol unit to pin the motorcycle, preventing it from being driven further. SOMPHOUNOUT then fled on foot for approximately one-half block southbound. As he began running, I observed him repeatedly reaching into his waistband in a manner consistent with attempting to retrieve a firearm. I gave SOMPHOUNOUT loud verbal commands to stop. He continued running and turned beneath a carport, at the address of 4501 Howell Street. As I rounded the corner, I observed SOMPHOUNOUT to be in a lowered position with a firearm in his right hand. I began to give commands to drop the weapon as SOMPHOUNOUT slid the firearm underneath the vehicle parked under the carport and raised his hands. SOMPHOUNOUT was taken into custody without further incident. During a search incident to arrest, I located a second loaded magazine containing 9 full metal jacket and 3 hollow point rounds, that was compatible with the handgun recovered beneath the parked car, as well as two small plastic bags containing marijuana and a THC vape in SOMPHOUNOUT's front pockets. The handgun, serial #ABE619328, was recovered from beneath the vehicle and secured. The handgun contained an extended magazine loaded with 25 full metal jacket and 3 hollow point rounds. SOMPHOUNOUT was transported by Fort Smith EMS, trauma band #D188442, to Baptist Hospital for medical evaluation before being transported to Sebastian County Detention Center. All evidence was entered into Troop H evidence vault. SOMPHOUNOUT was booked into Sebastian County Detention Center on the following charges: 5-54-125(d)(3) FLEEING - FELONY - VEHICLE OR CONVEYANCE - SUBSTANTIAL DANGER OF DEATH 5-54-125(c) FLEEING - ON FOOT 5-64-410(b)(5)(A) POSSESS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SCHED VI - 4 OZ 5-64-443(a)(1) POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA