Special Operations nets Cocaine Traffickers - Benton County & Arkansas State Police #pursuit #pit

NARRATIVE

On 01/12/2026, at approximately 1000 hours, I, Trooper Sheldon Phipps, was notified of an active operation being conducted
by the Benton County Special Operations Unit involving a planned traffic stop in Lowell, Arkansas, near N. Dixieland Street.

Known information at that time indicated the primary target, Misael Presas, was traveling to conduct a hand-to-hand purchase
of a controlled substance. Investigative intelligence further indicated Presas was known to be armed and likely to flee from law
enforcement.

During surveillance, a second subject was observed entering the rear seat of the suspect vehicle while covering an unknown
object with a blanket.

At approximately 1107 hours, while monitoring Benton County radio traffic, I observed multiple marked and unmarked law
enforcement units, with emergency lights and sirens activated, attempt to initiate a traffic stop on a black Cadillac Escalade,
bearing Oklahoma license plate HAQ891, traveling northbound on N. Dixieland Street approaching the intersection of Oakwood
Avenue. The vehicle failed to yield, slow-rolling despite the presence of multiple emergency vehicles.

The suspect vehicle proceeded through the intersection of N. Dixieland Street and Oakwood Avenue against a solid red traffic
signal. Benton County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted a high-risk vehicle takedown by boxing in the Escalade. As deputies began
issuing verbal commands to the occupants, I observed the driver turn the steering wheel and flee from deputies.

I assumed primary pursuit as Benton County units returned to their vehicles. Due to the known risk factors, the high traffic and
pedestrian volume at that time of day, and the direction of travel toward Pleasant Grove Road, a major thoroughfare, I
conducted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) on the passenger side of the Escalade with the intent to redirect the vehicle into
an open grassy area.

As I approached the suspect vehicle on the passenger side, the Escalade began moving into my lane of travel. During the TVI,
the suspect vehicle rotated toward the grassy area, causing my patrol unit to be pushed into the curb face. The Escalade then
rotated back toward the roadway and came to rest near the center of the roadway.

I exited my patrol unit and initiated a felony takedown. Benton County units assumed primary command and issued verbal
commands. During this time, the driver, Presas, was observed reaching around inside the vehicle and failing to comply with
lawful verbal commands. After a period of non-compliance, Presas was taken into custody without further incident.

The rear seat passenger was later identified as Elijah Carpenter and was taken into custody without incident.

After the vehicle was secured and determined to be safe, I conducted an assessment of my patrol unit and observed damage
to the front bumper, both front fenders, and the driver-side PIT bar.

Photographs of the damage were taken and provided to
Sgt. Keith.

Benton County Deputies conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and located a large quantity of cocaine inside a
baggie.

Both subjects were transported to the Benton County Jail.

CHARGES:

Misael Presas
5-54-125(d)(2) – Fleeing (vehicle exceeding the speed limit)
5-64-420(b)(2) – Possession with intent to deliver cocaine

Elijah Carpenter
5-64-420(b)(2) – Possession with intent to deliver cocaine