Good Samaritan Saves Trooper in Harrowing Interstate Confrontation

A recent incident on Interstate 49 in Rogers, Arkansas, has brought to light the dangers faced by state troopers and the critical role of Good Samaritans. On July 27, 26-year-old Guatemalan national Angel Zapet-Alvarado was recorded on dashcam video resisting arrest after being pulled over for driving at a staggering 114 miles per hour in heavy traffic.

Arkansas State Police released the dashcam footage on Wednesday, showing the tense moments that unfolded when Trooper Alexandria Duncan attempted to stop Zapet-Alvarado. Despite her emergency lights and sirens, he initially refused to pull over.

After finally stopping on the highway shoulder, Zapet-Alvarado continued to defy Duncan’s commands. Duncan observed his hand on the gearshift and took his keys to prevent him from fleeing. However, he resisted exiting the vehicle, prompting Duncan to deploy her taser.

The dashcam video captures Zapet-Alvarado’s persistent refusal to comply with Duncan’s orders to roll over and put his hands behind his back. In response, Duncan triggered the taser multiple times, causing Zapet-Alvarado to cry out in pain.

At one point, Zapet-Alvarado managed to wrestle the taser from Duncan and threw it into interstate traffic. He then escalated the confrontation by kicking Duncan’s head multiple times.

Amid the struggle, 31-year-old Kylie Sutton, a Good Samaritan, rushed to assist Duncan. Upon noticing Sutton, Duncan instructed her to retrieve the taser, which Sutton did. However, Zapet-Alvarado managed to get on top of Duncan.

Sutton intervened by grabbing Zapet-Alvarado from behind and moving him to the ground. Duncan then instructed Sutton to step back and warned Zapet-Alvarado that she would shoot if he continued to resist. When he did not comply, Duncan fired a single round, wounding him in the right temple.

Despite his injury, Zapet-Alvarado continued to resist arrest until another state trooper arrived to assist Duncan. Zapet-Alvarado was then transported to Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas for treatment before being released to law enforcement.

Toxicology reports revealed that Zapet-Alvarado’s blood-alcohol level was .16, twice the legal limit, and that cannabinoids were present in his system. He was subsequently taken to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and placed on hold for a Homeland Security Investigation.

Trooper Duncan sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation and received medical treatment. The state police Criminal Investigation Division reviewed the case, and Benton County Prosecutor Joshua Robinson confirmed that Duncan’s use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.

Col. Mike Hagar expressed his support for Trooper Duncan, stating, “I wholeheartedly support Trooper Duncan. We tell our troopers to trust their instincts and lean into their experience and training when they’re on the highways. Anyone who has walked in a trooper’s boots knows that trusting your gut keeps you safe so that you can protect and serve the public. In our world, hesitation can get you killed.”

Hagar also praised the bravery of both Duncan and Sutton, adding, “I thank God that he gave Alex the strength to survive that encounter, and that he put Kylie by her side when she needed support the most. I’m so proud of them both.”

This incident underscores the unpredictable and perilous nature of law enforcement duties and highlights the importance of community support in ensuring the safety of officers and the public.

Watch footage of the incident below:

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