On December 4, 2020, Arkansas State Police were called to assist Highway Police with a suspicious vehicle on I-40. As Trooper James Ray approached, the driver, Brian Starnes, 31, fled, leading officers on a chase. After a PIT maneuver failed, Starnes reentered the highway, this time driving east in the westbound lanes. Trooper Ray attempted to intercept and ultimately made the split-second decision to block Starnes head-on to protect civilians. The vehicles collided, ending the pursuit. Both were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Starnes briefly resisted but was arrested and jailed. He faces charges including felony fleeing, assault on an officer, and driving with a suspended license.