by Mark DanielsAccording to KATV News, "A high speed chase ends with the suspect shot in North Little Rock, Arkansas early Monday morning."
The report indicated that Arkansas State Police attempted to stop a vehicle being pursued by Sherwood Police just after 12:30. The suspect, Olajuwon L. Hicks, 27, of Sherwood was traveling southbound on U.S. 67 from Sherwood.
Hicks continued to flee State Police and Sherwood Police onto Interstate 40 where Troopers "spiked" the tires of the vehicle. Hicks then proceeded westbound on I-40, turning onto Interstate 30 westbound.
Eventually, Troopers were able to slow and stop Hicks west of the I-30 exit onto Broadway in North Little Rock.
The report alleges that Hicks rammed one state police vehicle then reversed and rammed a second patrol car to the rear, trapping one state trooper who had begun to exit the car in an attempt to arrest Hicks.
The officer chose to shoot Mr. Hicks. Apparently, Mr. Hicks' injuries were not fatal. Hicks was transported to a local hospital. The state trooper was not seriously injured.
What is not clear is why the officers chose to use "deadly force" against an already immobilized vehicle occupant. Does this sound like a case of "excessive force"?
