Arkansas State Trooper Pursues Harley-Davidson Rider, Later Cites Acquaintance to Enforce Traffic Safety

ARKANSAS — On June 21, 2025, Arkansas State Police Trooper Chad Hipps demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety during a high-speed incident involving two Harley-Davidson motorcycles reportedly traveling at 80 miles per hour on Arkansas highways.

According to video footage and official reports, Trooper Hipps observed the two motorcycles speeding well above the posted limits, prompting him to initiate a traffic stop. While attempting to stop the riders, the lead motorcyclist accelerated and fled, successfully evading capture. Rather than abandoning the pursuit, Trooper Hipps reversed course and located the second rider, who identified himself as a Missouri resident.

The second motorcyclist, who held a commercial driver’s license (CDL), claimed no association with the fleeing individual. Nevertheless, Trooper Hipps cited him for multiple traffic violations, including safety infractions observed during the stop. The trooper also referenced the potential impact these citations could have on the rider’s commercial driving status—a serious matter given the strict regulations governing CDL holders.

Video from the stop shows Trooper Hipps discussing the consequences for the rider’s license and livelihood, emphasizing the importance of compliance with traffic laws for all motorists, especially those holding commercial licenses.

In the course of the encounter, Trooper Hipps also referenced a similar high-speed chase approximately one year prior involving another Missouri motorcyclist who fled police and suffered a crash severe enough that he was “scraped out of a ditch,” highlighting the very real dangers reckless riders pose to themselves and the public.

The Arkansas State Police operate statewide and are responsible for enforcing traffic laws designed to protect motorists and pedestrians alike. Troopers like Hipps carry out their duties under strict pursuit policies that balance public safety with effective law enforcement. Their role is especially critical when dealing with motorcycles, which inherently present greater risks in high-speed scenarios.

Public response to the incident has been mixed, with some questioning the decision to cite the second rider despite his claim of no connection to the fleeing motorcyclist. However, law enforcement experts maintain that issuing citations was appropriate given the observed violations and the overall context of the incident.

As of June 29, the fleeing motorcyclist remains unidentified, and Arkansas State Police continue their investigation.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment by Arkansas State Police troopers to uphold traffic safety laws and hold all drivers accountable, regardless of circumstance.