A terrifying police chase in Arkansas has gone viral after newly released bodycam footage showed a toddler climbing out of an overturned car moments after a high-speed crash. The shocking incident happened after state troopers tried to stop a speeding vehicle, only for the driver to allegedly flee with her young child still inside the car.
Thankfully, the little boy survived the rollover crash without serious injuries, but the emotional footage has left many people shaken.
Toddler Walks Away From Horrific Arkansas Crash
The incident took place near Joiner, Arkansas, when Arkansas State Police attempted to stop a Dodge Charger for speeding. According to reports, the driver refused to pull over after officers clocked the car travelling at around 80 mph in a 55-mph zone.
Authorities said the driver continued speeding, forcing troopers to use a PIT maneuver — a police tactic used to stop fleeing vehicles by making them spin out.
However, the maneuver caused the vehicle to lose control and flip upside down on the side of the highway.
Bodycam Footage Captured Chilling Moments
The bodycam footage released after the crash has shocked viewers online.
As the overturned car came to a stop, the state trooper approached cautiously with his weapon drawn and ordered the driver to exit the vehicle with her hands up.
Just seconds later, something unexpected happened — a toddler climbed out of the back seat of the overturned car completely on his own.
The officer quickly realised there was a small child involved and immediately shifted his attention toward protecting him.
According to reports, the trooper can be heard telling dispatchers, “Got a toddler walking out of the back, got a baby.”
He then calmly called the frightened child toward him, reassuring him that he was safe.
Officer Shocked Child Was Inside The Car
After making sure the little boy was unharmed, the trooper continued ordering the driver to exit the vehicle.
The footage reportedly shows the officer holding the toddler in one hand while continuing to control the situation with his weapon in the other.
The trooper appeared stunned that someone would attempt to flee from police while a young child was inside the vehicle.
He later questioned the driver, asking why she ran from authorities with her child in the car.
Driver Identified As 23-Year-Old Mother
Police identified the driver as 23-year-old Thalia Jones.
According to reports, Jones denied speeding but admitted she tried to avoid police because she did not have a valid driver’s license.
The officer strongly criticised her actions during the arrest.
He reportedly told Jones that she nearly killed her child by fleeing from police at high speed.
Child Thankfully Escaped Serious Injury
Miraculously, both Jones and her 3-year-old son survived the crash.
Medical teams examined both of them after the accident, and officials later confirmed that the toddler was not seriously injured. The child was eventually released into the care of another adult at the scene.
Many people online called the child’s survival a miracle after seeing the severe condition of the overturned vehicle.
Multiple Charges Filed Against Mother
Authorities charged Thalia Jones with several offences after the incident.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the charges:
| Charge | Details |
|---|---|
| Reckless driving | Allegedly fleeing police at high speed |
| Driving with suspended license | Police said she did not have a valid license |
| Child endangerment | Child was inside vehicle during chase |
| Speeding | Allegedly driving 80 mph in a 55-mph zone |
| Unauthorized use of vehicle | Vehicle reportedly belonged to her boyfriend |
Officials also confirmed that the incident was reported to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline.
Video Sparked Strong Reactions Online
The footage quickly spread online, with many viewers expressing shock over how calmly the toddler walked away from such a violent crash.
Others praised the trooper for immediately focusing on the child’s safety despite the dangerous situation.
Many social media users also questioned why anyone would risk a child’s life simply to avoid a traffic stop.
