Arkansas State Police trooper resigns after crash involving children, suspected of DWI

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ark. ( KNWA/KFTA ) — An Arkansas state trooper has resigned after he rolled his car over on June 27 around 9:30 p.m. and was arrested for driving while intoxicated, the Arkansas State Police said.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle rollover wreck on Winn Creek Road and found Mitch Smothers, 31, with two children in the vehicle with him. No injuries were reported according to Col. Mike Hager.

Smothers has worked for ASP since Jan. 2021.

“I’m deeply disappointed and thank God no one was injured,” Hager said. I’ve said from day one that when we mess up, we will dress up and fess up. This is a difficult moment for the Arkansas State Police organization, but we will manage it with transparency and integrity.”

Smothers was transported to Washington County Detention Center . He is facing a DWI charge and endangering the welfare of a minor in the 3rd degree.

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