Video shows toddler emerging from overturned car after trooper pursuit crash

JOINER, Ark. (WMC/Gray News) - Newly released video shows the moment a toddler emerged from a suspect’s overturned vehicle after it crashed in rural Arkansas during a chase.

According to the incident report from Arkansas State Police, the crash happened on the afternoon of May 2 along State Highway 118 in Joiner.

The chase began when the Dodge Charger driver allegedly refused to pull over for speeding.

The state trooper who attempted the traffic stop eventually used a PIT maneuver, causing the car to spin out and flip onto its roof.

A few minutes later, as the trooper held the vehicle at gunpoint while waiting for backup, the driver opened the door, letting out her 3-year-old son.

“You’re OK. Come right here, baby. Come right here,” the state trooper could be heard saying while ushering the boy from the wreck.

The mother crawled from the wreckage a short time later.

Both were medically cleared, and the boy was released into the custody of an adult at the scene.

The driver, identified as 23-year-old Thalia Jones, has been charged with speeding, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, endangering a child and unauthorized use of another person’s vehicle to commit a crime.

Arkansas State Police said the Dodge belonged to Jones’ boyfriend.

The incident was also reported to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline.