Arkansas State Police, Tennessee Highway Patrol team up for weekend operation, make multiple arrests

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – A collaboration between Arkansas State Police and Tennessee Highway Patrol resulted in multiple arrests along the Interstate 40 corridor over the course of a July weekend.

Officials said the July 11-13 operation had troopers engaged in targeted enforcement. The purpose was to combat violent crime, impaired driving, drug trafficking, illegal firearms and other criminal activities, they said.

During the two-night operation, officials said troopers from both states contacted over 500 motorists. Troopers recovered a stolen trailer and seized illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, ecstasy, and illegal marijuana, as well as unlawfully possessed firearms. Additionally, Troopers executed multiple outstanding warrants relating to aggravated robbery, firearm offenses, aggravated assault, theft, and vandalism.

In Arkansas, officials said troopers made 31 speeding arrests, 11 DWI arrests and 162 hazardous and non-hazardous arrests. A total of 34 individuals were arrested, and 238 citations were issued. Arkansas State Police also issued 222 warnings out of the 472 total contacts.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol made six DUI arrests, officials said, with an additional citation for resisting arrest. One person was charged with handgun possession while under the influence, and a person was cited for a stolen vehicle.

Two in Tennessee are facing charges for possession of burglary tools and two for drug possession. Three were cited for evading arrest on foot and two for felony evading. One ticket was issued for reckless endangerment, and one for an open container violation. Three tickets were issued for suspended or revoked licenses.

The Tennessee officers issued 25 traffic citations out of 61 contacts.