DWI driver (7 Bud Lights) refuses to stop for Arkansas State Police - Pursuit ends w/ PIT MANEUVER

Report: On Friday, September 4, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., I was traveling eastbound on Kelley Highway from N 32nd St. As I was traveling in the inside lane, I observed a vehicle approaching me from the rear that appeared to be traveling faster than the posted speed limit. I was traveling approximately 40 mph and observed the vehicle quickly approaching me. I estimated the vehicle’s speed to be over the posted 40-mph speed limit, and I verified this with my rear radar. I was able to lock the vehicle’s speed at 47 mph. During these observations, I also noted that the vehicle was operating its high-beam “bright” lights. I determined this because, as the vehicle approached me, the brightness of the lights made it difficult to focus on the roadway and determine the type of vehicle that was approaching. The light appeared to be centered high in my rearview mirror. There was also traffic traveling westbound that could have been affected by the operation of the high beams, as the driver of the suspect vehicle did not deactivate them. As it accelerated, I verified that the registration was expired, and I advised Troop H Communications of the traffic stop. I reached a speed of approximately 42 mph as I followed behind the vehicle. As we approached the four-way stop intersection of N 50th St. and Johnson St., the suspect cut through a gas station parking lot to avoid the intersection. It should be noted that there were several customers in the gas station parking lot. A detective with the Fort Smith Police Department, operating an unmarked unit, attempted to block the exit to prevent the suspect from re- entering the roadway. I used the front passenger side of my bumper to make contact with the rear driver-side quarter panel. This allowed me to conduct a tactical vehicle intervention, causing the suspect vehicle to rotate counterclockwise. I began issuing commands in English but noted that the suspect appeared to be Hispanic. I then began issuing commands in Spanish to assist the suspect in understanding my commands. The suspect appeared lethargic when getting out of the vehicle and had to be told several times to get on the ground. I then had to assist the suspect to the ground. Once on the ground, I noted that the suspect had tucked his hands and arms underneath his chest to prevent me from gaining access to them. I was able to dislodge his left arm, but the suspect began to pull away and stated “no” several times. I was then able to put his left hand behind his back as Detective Pyle with the Fort Smith Police Department gained control of his right arm. I was able to identify the suspect as Domingo Melendez. I also detected a strong odor of an intoxicant coming from his person. Every time Mr. Melendez spoke, I detected heavily slurred speech, and his eyes appeared to be bloodshot and watery. Mr. Melendez was read his Miranda rights and stated that he understood them. He then stated that he had consumed seven Bud Light beers and was trying to get home. A portable breath test was then provided and showed the presence of alcohol. He was later asked if he was hurt and stated his arm hurt but would not give a clear answer if he wanted medical attention. Mr. Melendez was more upset about his vehicle and me arresting him than giving me an answer. Mr. Melendez was then transported to the Fort Smith Police Department, where I attempted to conduct the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. The instructions were given in Spanish by me, and Mr. Melendez stated that he understood them. I attempted to conduct the test, but Mr. Melendez refused to follow the tip of my finger. He continued looking around the room or directly at me. He was given several opportunities to follow the tip of my finger but continued doing the same thing. Seeing that we were getting nowhere, I moved on to the Arkansas Statement of Rights form for the breath test. As I began to read the form, Mr. Melendez stated that he was not going to sign anything. He was still advised of his rights, and I noted on the form that he was refusing to sign. No breath test was given, which was noted on the final breath test results. His refusal to sign was also noted on his Arkansas Administrative License form. Mr. Melendez was then transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center, where he was released to booking on the following charges: 5-65-103 1ST: DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED - DWI 1ST 5-54-103(b): REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO ARREST 5-65-205: REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO CHEMICAL TEST 27-51-201: SPEEDING - 1 TO 15 MPH OVER LIMIT 27-14-701: DRIVING VEHICLE / TRAILER NO REGISTRATION OR TAGS EXPIRED 27-51-901: FAIL TO YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLE 5-54-125(d)(2): FLEEING - FELONY - VEHICLE OR CONVEYANCE - EXCEEDING SPEED LIMIT 5-54-103(a): RESISTING ARREST 27-36-211: VEH LIGHTS - USE OF MULTIPLE-BEAM ROAD LIGHTING EQUIPMENT - HIGH BEAM 27-51-104: CARELESS AND PROHIBITED DRIVING