VIDEO: Police chase driver wrong way up I-55 in Arkansas

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s video you have to see to believe.

Arkansas State Police tried to stop a man for drugs near Blytheville, only for the man to take off, leading them on a chase driving the wrong direction up Interstate 55.

Troopers were able to use a PIT maneuver to stop the wrong-way driver before it was too late.

Video shows the moments a black 2024 Mazda CX-5 was stopped in Blytheville around 9:30 Friday morning. As the trooper approached the driver, he took off, driving north into the southbound lanes of I-55.

Troopers were able to strike the Mazda from behind, causing it to leave the highway.

According to Arkansas State Police, 28-year-old Calvin Hathaway of Milkwaukee, Wisconsin was taken into custody and charged with multiple felonies, including fleeing and possession of a controlled substance.

Police say 77 ecstasy pills, marijuana and a gun were found inside the car.

WREG’s April Thompson recently spoke with ASP about these maneuvers .

“It’s absolutely not safe for our troopers to perform these techniques,” ASP Col. Mike Kennedy said. “But they’ve sworn oath to protect the public. So they put themselves between the public and the fleeing suspect. You’re attempting to make it spin out? Yes. And most of the time during the spin and suspect vehicle will stall out.”

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Hathaway is one of four fugitives apprehended on the Arkansas interstates this month alone.

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