News Summary
Laterrika Woods, sister of rapper Big Boogie, died after being ejected from a vehicle during a police chase in Arkansas. The incident raises concerns over reckless driving and police pursuits. Authorities continue to address the legal implications for the driver, Torkilo Hambrick, who faces charges following the crash. This tragedy highlights the dangers of high-speed chases and the impact on community safety.
Hazel, Arkansas – Laterrika Woods, a 29-year-old woman and sister of Memphis rapper Big Boogie, died on Tuesday following a police chase that ended in a fatal crash. The incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the increased risks associated with police pursuits.
The Arkansas State Police (ASP) initiated the chase when they attempted to pull over a Dodge Ram pickup truck for a traffic violation near Interstate 40’s 173-mile marker in Lonoke County. The truck was driven by 30-year-old Torkilo Hambrick, who failed to stop and fled the scene. This led to an 18-mile pursuit, with speeds exceeding 120 mph and reckless maneuvers, including passing vehicles on the right shoulder.
During the chase, ASP troopers executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (PIT) maneuver to incapacitate the fleeing vehicle. This action caused Hambrick’s truck to crash into a ditch beside the interstate. Unfortunately, Woods was ejected from the vehicle during the crash, leading to her immediate death at the scene. Authorities have attributed her death to the reckless actions of Hambrick during the police pursuit.
Reckless Driving and Community Impact
ASP Colonel Mike Hager condemned incidents involving fleeing suspects, describing them as sources of trauma and danger for communities. He emphasized the seriousness of such reckless driving and the potential for tragic outcomes, as illustrated by this incident.
Legal Consequences for Torkilo Hambrick
Torkilo Hambrick now faces legal repercussions, including being charged with responsibility for Woods’ death. As of Wednesday afternoon, formal charges were pending. It is noteworthy that Hambrick is a registered sex offender and had active warrants for probation violation from Shelby County, which raises concerns about his background.
Following the crash, Hambrick was hospitalized in stable condition before being taken into custody. Additionally, another female passenger in the truck was airlifted to Baptist Medical Center in critical condition, further highlighting the severe consequences of the chase.
Evidence Found at the Scene
During the investigation of the crash site, authorities discovered two firearms, cash, and illicit drugs, including a bottle of promethazine and marijuana, inside the truck. This evidence suggests that the pursuit was not just a simple traffic violation but also linked to broader issues of drug use and illegal possession.
Tributes and Community Reaction
In the wake of her sister’s tragic death, Big Boogie (real name John Lotts) took to social media to express his grief and pay tribute to Woods. His heartfelt message reflects the devastating impact of this loss on their family and the wider community.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for cautious driving, adherence to traffic laws, and the potential consequences of fleeing from law enforcement. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of Woods and grapples with the implications of such reckless behavior on public safety.
Conclusion
The loss of Laterrika Woods in this tragic accident underscores the dangers associated with high-speed police chases and the catastrophic outcomes that can arise from reckless driving. As the legal process unfolds, it brings to light the crucial need for responsible behavior on the roads and the immense toll that carelessness can take on lives.
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Additional Resources
- Fox13 Memphis: Big Boogie’s Sister Killed in Crash
- Wikipedia: Police Pursuit
- WREG: Fatal Crashes in Memphis
- Google Search: Reckless Driving Safety
- Action News 5: Crash in North Memphis
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety
- Commercial Appeal: Celtic Crossing Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- News 5 Cleveland: Deadly Car Crash on Memphis Avenue
- Google News: Fatal Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
