Amid these frigid temperatures, law enforcement faced a perilous encounter during a routine patrol as Sgt. Pendergrass and Deputy Carter found themselves in a high-stakes pursuit with a suspect evading arrest.
During yesterday afternoon’s patrol, Sgt. Pendergrass observed a car dangerously crossing lanes without signaling multiple times, a hazardous maneuver made even riskier by icy conditions. Concerned for public safety, Sgt. Pendergrass activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop at the gas station on E 9th and Pinehurst.
Upon approaching the vehicle, a distinctive odor of marijuana caught the attention of the officers. While the driver cooperated with the request for a vehicle search, the passenger, identifying himself as Louis Foster, proved less compliant. A subsequent attempt to verify his identity through dispatch failed to yield any results.
Unfazed, Sgt. Pendergrass discovered a debit card in the vehicle bearing the name Louis Hooper. Dispatch, upon running this name and sending a picture for identification, confirmed it was indeed Mr. Louis Hooper and that he was wanted on felony warrants.
As officers moved to arrest Hooper for obstruction and the outstanding warrants, the situation took a chaotic turn. Hooper decided to make a run for it, resulting in a slippery chase that led to Deputy Carter slipping on ice and sustaining injuries. Despite the fall, Deputy Carter is expected to make a full recovery.
The pursuit intensified as Hooper attempted to hijack another vehicle. The driver, displaying remarkable quick thinking, resisted and dragged Hooper to the ground. This allowed Sgt. Pendergrass to apprehend him and finally place him in custody.
Mr. Hooper was transported to the Miller County Detention Center without further incident. He now faces charges including Fleeing by foot (Felony), Battery 2nd on Law Enforcement, (Attempted) Breaking or Entering, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Governmental Operations, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (SCH VI U/4oz). The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement officers face, even in adverse weather conditions, to maintain public safety.
