Chrysler 300 SRT Involved In Several Chases, Goes Up In Flames

Recently, law enforcement agencies across the southern United States have been contending with a series of high-speed chases involving Dodge Chargers, Dodge Challengers, and Chrysler 300s. Among these cases, a black Chrysler 300 SRT8 has been particularly notorious, managing to evade capture on multiple occasions. However, the tide turned on Monday, September 18th, 2023, when an Arkansas State trooper successfully ended the Chrysler’s evasive maneuvers.

The saga began that fateful morning around 10:00 a.m. when an Arkansas State trooper was stationed on I-49, closely monitoring vehicle speeds in a construction zone near exit 65. Radar readings indicated a vehicle hurtling down the highway at a staggering 97 mph, instantly capturing the trooper’s attention. The radar blip transformed into a fast-approaching black passenger car later identified as a Chrysler 300 with tinted taillights.

As the Chrysler approached, it initially began to slow down, prompting the trooper to merge into the left lane with the intention of initiating a traffic stop. However, the situation took a twist when the black vehicle engaged its right turn signal, indicating a possible merge into the middle lane. Believing the vehicle was about to comply, the trooper activated their emergency lights north of exit 65.

To the trooper’s surprise, the Chrysler suddenly switched its turn signal to the left, as if to pull into the median, but then changed its mind and abruptly merged back onto the interstate. The trooper’s recognition was sparked; this was the same vehicle involved in a previous high-speed pursuit initiated by a Washington County deputy in south Fayetteville on August 28, 2023.

Without hesitation, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 accelerated to a high rate of speed, maneuvering in and out of traffic lanes with reckless abandon. The trooper promptly reported the pursuit and activated their emergency lights and sirens. In a desperate bid to evade capture, the vehicle made perilous lane changes, nearly causing multiple accidents as it cut off other motorists. It even darted from the left lane all the way across to the right lane without using a turn signal before eventually returning to the left lane.

Despite the trooper’s valiant pursuit, circumstances forced an early termination of the chase when the Chrysler 300 took exit 69. A semi-truck in the middle lane blocked the trooper’s path, rendering it impossible to continue. The driver of the Chrysler had once again eluded the authorities.

However, the story did not end there. Later that same day, at approximately 5:40 p.m., Cpl. Schwab, another law enforcement officer, successfully identified the elusive Chrysler by the trooper’s partial license plate and other vehicle descriptors. What followed was another heart-pounding pursuit, spanning over 10 miles, filled with adrenaline and tension.

Finally, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 was cornered and brought to a stop. The operator of the vehicle was identified and subsequently arrested. Yet, the drama didn’t conclude with the arrest. After being stopped, the car took a fateful turn down a dirt road and ultimately caught fire.

The arrest of the driver marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address high-speed chases and ensure public safety.

Source: Police Pursuits