TorkiIo Hambrick, a 30-year-old Tennessee man, has been charged with first-degree murder, felony flight, possession of a handgun by certain individuals, and two charges of second-degree violence in connection with the death of a 29-year-old woman on Interstate 40 during a high-speed police chase. Authorities have stated that additional charges may be filed.
Laterika Woods, 29, from Tennessee, was a passenger in Hambrick’s vehicle. She was catapulted from the truck during the incident and died as a result of her injuries. Latarica Walker, a 26-year-old passenger, suffered an ejection and is currently in critical condition at Baptist Medical Center following her evacuation from the scene.
The incident happened on March 25, 2025, at about 6:30 p.m., when an Arkansas State Police (ASP) trooper attempted to stop a white Dodge Ram pickup near the 173-mile marker on Interstate 40 in Lonoke County for a traffic infraction. Hambrick refused to stop, sending officers on an 18-mile pursuit eastbound, during which he reached speeds of over 120 mph and passed vehicles on the right shoulder.
A trooper conducted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) near the 191-mile marker in Prairie County, forcing the suspect’s pickup to topple and come to rest in a ditch.
“This senseless death and suffering could have been easily avoided,” ASP Col. Mike Hagar stated.
Hambrick and another passenger, Zuri Jones, 45, were taken to UAMS and were reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators searched the vehicle and discovered two weapons, narcotics, marijuana, a bottle of promethazine, and an unidentified amount of US money. Authorities also discovered that Hambrick had an outstanding extradition warrant from Shelby County, Tennessee, for a probation violation. He is a registered sex offender.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is still investigating the event.
