Memphis man evades police, escapes across bridge

Suspect has history of leading police on high-speed chases

By DONALD WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

You don’t always get your man. Arkansas State Trooper, Steven Roberts initiated a traffic stop on Southland Drive on September 26, 2024, which resulted in a high-speed pursuit that crossed the state line.

Trooper Roberts observed a black Lexus G35 traveling at excessive speeds, leading to the stop. During the encounter, the driver, identified as 51-year-old Willie Aaron Smith of Memphis was puled over by Roberts for exceeding the speed limit. Upon approaching the vehicle, Roberts said he detected the oder of marijuana.

The trooper returned to his vehicle and while conducting a background check Smith suddenly fled the scene in his vehicle, initiating a pursuit that reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour. The chase continued into Memphis where the trooper ultimately terminated it due to the driver’s reckless driving and the risk to public safety.

A warrant has been issued for Smith’s arrest on charges related to the traffic stop, fleeing from law enforcement, and potential drug possession.

However this is not Smith’s first time leading police on a high-speed chase. In 2021, Smith faced multiple felony charges after fleeing from law enforcement at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour. Driving a Dodge Charger with a passenger the chase began in Texas and continued into Oklahoma, with authorities deploying stop sticks at three locations along I-40. Despite the roadblocks, Smith managed to evade capture.

The pursuit finally came to an end near mile marker

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41, where Smith voluntarily pulled over and was taken into custody.

Smith was charged with one felony count of endangering others while attempting to elude a police officer and three felony counts of running a roadblock. His bond was set at $75,000. The outcome of the case is currently unknown.