Arkansas State Police Trooper Resigns Amid DWI Arrest
A 31-year-old Arkansas State Police (ASP) trooper, Mitch Smothers, resigned from his position after being arrested for driving while intoxicated in Washington County. This incident occurred on the evening of June 27, 2024, when Smothers rolled his vehicle over on Winn Creek Road. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and found Smothers with two children in the vehicle.
The ASP trooper, originally from Springdale, was charged with a DWI and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the 3rd degree due to the presence of children in the vehicle. No injuries were reported in the crash. Smothers, who was hired by ASP in January 2021, was transported to the Washington County Detention Center following his arrest.
Col. Mike Hagar, the head of the Arkansas State Police, expressed deep disappointment in the actions of the trooper but emphasized the importance of handling the situation with transparency and integrity. Smothers’ resignation came swiftly after the incident, marking a difficult moment for the Arkansas State Police organization. Hagar has always stressed the need for accountability, saying, “When we mess up, we will dress up and fess up.”
- The trooper, Mitch Smothers, resigned after his arrest.
- The incident involved a single-vehicle rollover crash with two children in the vehicle.
- Smothers was charged with DWI and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the 3rd degree.
- No injuries were reported in the crash.
Smothers’ actions sparked widespread concern, particularly given his profession as a law enforcement officer. His resignation serves as a poignant reminder of the high standards expected from those entrusted with public safety and the need for transparency and accountability in such cases.
