The Arkansas State Police announced in a press release that it charged 20-year-old José Solano Rodríguez of Little Rock with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, following a high-speed chase on October 29, 2025, which resulted in a crash that killed two teenagers.
According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP) report, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on October 29, 2025, a trooper observed a red 2011 Infiniti speeding eastbound on Interstate 30 near the 133-mile marker. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop, Rodríguez fled at speeds exceeding 130 mph. The pursuit led officers through multiple exits before Rodríguez lost control near McDaniel Drive. The crash resulted in the deaths of a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl who were passengers in the vehicle. Rodríguez was ejected from the vehicle and hospitalized at Baptist Medical Center.
Under Arkansas Code Annotated § 5-10-102, first-degree murder applies when a person causes death during the commission of a felony, including fleeing or reckless conduct that demonstrates extreme indifference to human life. The charges against Rodríguez include two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, and one count of felony fleeing. Prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties due to the involvement of juvenile victims; under Arkansas law, this can lead to life imprisonment for first-degree murder convictions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2023, approximately 490 people nationwide were killed in police pursuit-related crashes. Nearly 39% of these victims were non-suspects such as passengers or uninvolved motorists. In response to such incidents, the Arkansas State Police has increased training and review standards for pursuit protocols in recent years. This includes implementing stricter supervisory oversight to balance law enforcement necessity with public safety. ASP’s pursuit policies are designed to limit risk by evaluating traffic conditions, suspect behavior, and threat level during high-speed chases.
The Arkansas State Police was established in 1935 and serves as the statewide law enforcement agency responsible for highway patrol, criminal investigations, and public safety enforcement across Arkansas. The department operates under the Arkansas Department of Public Safety and is led by Colonel Mike Hagar. It has specialized divisions for Criminal Investigation, Highway Patrol, and Crimes Against Children. ASP emphasizes transparency and accountability by routinely releasing public reports on fatal incidents and major arrests through its Communications Division.
