Officer in pursuit of driver in fatal crash identified

Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2015, discusses the fatal crash that killed one pedestrian during a police chase Tuesday night.
Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2015, discusses the fatal crash that killed one pedestrian during a police chase Tuesday night.

UPDATE:

Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner said during a news conference Wednesday that officer Zachary Hardman is on paid leave for his involvement in pursuing the driver in Tuesday's fatal pedestrian accident.

He added that Hardman, an officer with the police department since June 25, 2012, has been a "good employee."

"I want to make sure we've done the right thing," Buckner said of the investigation into the department's handling of the pursuit. "If we haven't, I want to make sure we have accountability."

Police provided no time frame for when dash-cam video from the scene will be available. According to a statement, family members of the victims will be able to review the video first before it is released to the public.

See Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

EARLIER STORY:

A 24-year-old Roland man who police say was driving a car that was fleeing an officer when it hit two pedestrians has been jailed on charges including first-degree murder.

Little Rock Police Department Lt. Steve McClanahan identified Jordan Matthew Vandenberghe as the driver of the Nissan Maxima that hit two pedestrians on the sidewalk of Chicot Road shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Police said they were pursuing the vehicle, which had been reported stolen, when the driver appeared to lose control and hit the two pedestrians. One pedestrian, Trindia Horton, 39, was killed and the second, Nahtali Horton, age unavailable, was listed in stable but critical condition Wednesday morning, McClanahan said.

Pulaski County jail records show Vandenberghe was being held without bail on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree battery, fleeing, theft of property and theft by receiving.

photo

Courtesy of the Little Rock Police Department

Officer Zachary Hardman

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