DRUNK and RECKLESS Tractor-Trailer driver veers into oncoming traffic almost causing a collision

Trooper's Narrative: On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at approximately 7:44 pm, I, Trooper Chris Dunham, was notified of a hazardous driver traveling eastbound on State Highway 18 near Monette. At approximately 7:54 pm, I observed the vehicle, identified as a grey tractor- trailer with a white trailer, on State Highway 18 near the Craighead and Mississippi County lines. As I caught up to the vehicle, I observed it having difficulty maintaining its lane, failing to stay within the lane markings. I activated my emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop on State Highway 18, approximately one-quarter mile west of State Highway 119 in Leachville. The driver continued westbound, increasing the vehicle’s speed from approximately 50 miles per hour to approximately 62 miles per hour. Approximately 50 seconds after initiating the traffic stop, the driver veered left into oncoming traffic lanes, increasing the vehicle’s speed to approximately 80 miles per hour, driving directly towards oncoming traffic. At that time, it became apparent that the driver had no intention of stopping and showed no regard for the safety of oncoming vehicular traffic, forcing a pickup truck onto the shoulder in order to avoid a collision. The driver then began correcting the vehicle’s direction, entering the center turn lane before veering back into the correct lanes of travel. The driver continued for approximately one-half mile further before pulling onto the shoulder and stopping. Once stopped, I began issuing verbal commands through my unit’s PA system. After approximately 17 commands to roll the windows down and exit the vehicle, the driver, identified as Michael Sherman, exited the vehicle. Sherman was ordered to the rear of my patrol car, where he was taken into custody without further incident. Other officers and I approached the vehicle, where no other occupants were found. While speaking with Sherman, I detected the odor of intoxicants and observed his speech to be slurred. As I escorted Sherman to my patrol unit, I noticed he was unsteady on his feet. Sherman performed a Preliminary Breath Test, which indicated a positive result for alcohol with a reading of 0.12. Sherman was later transported to the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, where I attempted to advise him of his rights before BAC testing. Sherman refused to cooperate with testing, stating that he did not understand his rights, but when asked what he did not understand, he would only mention his shoulder pain. Sherman was later booked into the Mississippi County Sheriff's Office on charges of Fleeing-Felony, Reckless Driving, Obstructing Governmental Operations, DWI 1st, Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test-CDL, Using a Commercial Vehicle in the Commission of a Felony, Speeding, and Improper Lane Usage.