Airborne Harley Davidson Goes Flying After High Speed Chase

On September 29th, 2023, Troop G dispatch notified me that they received four calls in reference to a black motorcycle traveling westbound on Interstate 30 that was driving recklessly. I was advised the operator was braking hard in front of people, switching lanes fast, and flipping people off. One caller stated the operator must be “high.” Another operator stated that it looked like he was trying to get run over. I was given a description of the motorcycle, operator, and license plate number. I located the motorcycle and operator near the 2-mile marker westbound on Interstate 30. I noticed the motorcycle was traveling78mph in a 65mph construction zone. I then activated my emergency lights and siren to perform a traffic stop on the motorcycle. The motorcycle continued westbound and then abruptly made a dangerous turn onto exit 1. I checked into Pursuit at 12:07 p.m.

The motorcycle stopped at the Jefferson Avenue stop sign in the middle of the lane. I ordered the operator to turn off the bike. The operator nodded his head and put the bike into first gear. I then pulled out my Taser, but the motorcycle then continued straight onto the service road. While on the service road and on-ramp, the motorcycle passed two vehicles on the inside shoulder. After merging on the interstate, the motorcycle continued westbound through a construction zone, at speeds over 100mph. There was medium to heavy traffic and the motorcycle was passing between vehicles. The pursuit continued into Texas. ASP Major Mike Moyer then joined the pursuit as a secondary unit. The motorcycle continued west on Interstate 30making dangerous lane changes while overtaking vehicles on the road. Major Moyer and I attempted a box-in technique but were unsuccessful. While approaching the motorcycle on the left, the motorcycle attempted to cut me off. On the second attempted box-in, the motorcycle slowed and traveled the wrong way up Exit 212 and turned south on Lonestar Drive. The motorcycle then got back on Interstate 30 eastbound in the eastbound lanes. Between exits 212 and 213, the motorcycle passed a tractor-trailer in the grass median and almost crashed. The motorcycle then took exit 213 and was going to turn right onto Leary Road. The extremely reckless driving behavior of the motorcycle was putting many civilians' lives in danger. I felt the need to end the pursuit as soon and as safely as possible. I had an opportunity to end the pursuit at low speed while the motorcycle was making a right turn. I then used my bumper to contact the motorcycle's rear right saddlebag, at 12:19 p.m. This contact caused the rear tire to lose and then regain traction quickly. When the tire regained traction the operator accelerated over a curb, became airborne, and crashed into the grass.

The operator separated from the motorcycle and landed in thirsted operator was handcuffed, and I located a Smith and Wesson pistol in his front waistband. The operator was identified as David Roark. Roark stated that he was scared and that he took some drugs in Arkadelphia that were given to him. Roark did not know what the drugs were. I noticed Roark was having trouble keeping a train of thought and would say sentences that didn’t make sense. Roark was transported to Christus St. Michaels via Life Net ambulance. While at the hospital, Roark stated he may have a fractured neck. Roark was also speaking like he was hallucinating. Roark asked me if I saw his Tahoe because he had a Tahoe too. Roark asked if it was damaged too. I advised him that I never saw a Tahoe. The Bowie County Jail was contacted by Texas DPS Troopers and I was advised they would not hold Roark. Roark was released with a citation for reckless driving and no motorcycle endorsement. I did advise Roark he needed to turn himself in later because he had a felony warrant for fleeing by vehicle with a risk of serious injury or death