Tennessee Highway Patrol Arrest Illinois Man Wanted for Questioning in Kentucky Homicide Investigation

NASHVILLE  – On Monday, December 5, Trooper Jody Looper of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) was involved in a pursuit of a male suspect that was wanted out of Kentucky for questioning related to a homicide and theft of a vehicle.

When Trooper Looper was checking the Buffalo Valley Rest Area in Smith County he came upon an improperly parked 2007, gray, Chevy Malibu. As the trooper approached the vehicle, the driver put the vehicle into gear and fled. Trooper Looper advised THP dispatch that he was in pursuit of the suspect on Interstate 40 entering into Putnam County. THP dispatch operators ran the tag displayed on the vehicle. A confirmation alert came back from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) that the vehicle was stolen, and the alleged driver was wanted for questioning in an Eddyville, Kentucky homicide. Additional information stated that the driver was suspected to be armed and dangerous. Dispatch notified Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and requested multiple units to assist.

During the pursuit, speeds varied between 60 and 100 miles per hour. The fleeing subject vehicle struck two other vehicles at two separate locations. Both incidents resulted in non-injury crashes. Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies were able to deploy their stop sticks.

Trooper Looper along with Putnam County deputies performed a felony stop taking the subject into custody. The pursuit ended with the arrest of Arthur A. Long, 66, of Chicago, Illinois. Long was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, evading arrest, resisting arrest and miscellaneous traffic offenses. Long is currently awaiting extradition back to Kentucky. A photo of the suspect has been attached with this press release.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

 
Arthur A. Long, 66, of
Chicago, Illinois