Off-Duty Batesville, Arkansas Police Officer Arrested After Pursuit

An off-duty Batesville, Arkansas police officer is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading officers on a pursuit Sunday night.

According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP), the Batesville Police Department requested the agency's Criminal Investigation Division investigate the incident, which happened around 9:45 PM on Sunday, July 19.

Officer Allegedly Fled During Police Response

Investigators said Batesville officers were at a home on Buckeye Street when off-duty officer Miguel Romero, 32, drove away from the scene in his personal vehicle. Officers pursued Romero for about five miles through the Batesville-Moorefield area before ending the chase with a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI).

Romero was taken into custody and initially booked into the Independence County Detention Center before being transferred to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

Multiple Charges Filed

Romero has been charged with felony fleeing, aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.

Authorities have not released any additional details about what led officers to the residence or the pursuit as of yet.

Internal Investigation Underway

The Batesville Police Department has placed Romero on administrative leave while it conducts a separate internal affairs investigation.

The Arkansas State Police is handling the criminal investigation and said no additional information will be released at this time.

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As with all criminal cases, Romero is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Arkansas State Police

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