Arkansas trooper pulls passenger by his locs, punches him twice after 130‑mph pursuit

BLYTHEVILLE, Ark— An Arkansas State Police pursuit that reached 130 miles per hour ended with a trooper pulling a passenger by his locs and punching him twice, according to police video and incident reports.

High‑Speed Pursuit Through Mississippi County

The Aug. 19 chase began around 11:21 p.m. after Trooper Theodore Henderson clocked a 2023 Infiniti QX50 at 82 mph on Arkansas 18. When Henderson activated his emergency lights, the driver accelerated. Henderson reported speeds between 130 and 140 mph as he tried to catch the SUV. Blytheville police deployed spike strips, which the vehicle hit before continuing into town and running a red light.

Officers attempted two tactical vehicle interventions. The second maneuver pushed the SUV over a curb, stopping it near North 16th and West Walnut streets. Police identified the driver as Adonerus Johnson, 25. Officers used Tasers after Johnson climbed into the back seat and tried to escape. They later arrested him on charges including felony fleeing, resisting arrest, DWI and reckless driving.

Trooper Breaks Window, Pulls Passenger by Hair

After Johnson’s arrest, Henderson turned to passenger Tedrick Washington, 23. Video shows Henderson ordering Washington to exit the SUV. When Washington said he could not get out, Henderson broke the rear driver’s‑side window with a baton. He then grabbed Washington’s wrist and locs, pulling him toward the opening. Henderson wrote that Washington braced himself against the door and ignored commands.

Henderson punched Washington once while pulling him from the vehicle. He struck him a second time during a struggle on the ground, according to his report. Washington was charged with obstruction of governmental operations and resisting arrest.

Second Violent Incident This Month involving Arkansas Trooper

The arrest drew wider attention because it followed another violent encounter involving Arkansas State Police. On Aug. 1, Trooper Moisses Arellano was recorded punching 18‑year‑old Alisa Hackett during a traffic stop, prompting calls for accountability from Black lawmakers. Hackett has since filed a federal lawsuit.

Washington, a former Division‑1 basketball player, says he plans legal action. His case adds pressure on state police leaders, who have faced scrutiny over use‑of‑force incidents captured on video.