Woman Surrendered in Fatal Little Rock Hit-and-Run

A 24-year-old suspect faces charges following a fatal crash on Interstate 430 in September.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Crime — General

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing an abstract, geometric road surface from high above, navy and cream colors, representing the gravity of a fatal investigation.
Kaleigh Reaves surrendered to Arkansas State Police on Tuesday, months after being identified as the driver in a fatal September hit-and-run crash on Interstate 430. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Kaleigh Reaves has turned herself in to authorities after being identified as the driver in a fatal hit-and-run crash. The incident left a 36-year-old woman from Hot Springs deceased on the interstate.

Why it matters

The surrender follows an investigation by Arkansas State Police who used vehicle parts recovered at the scene to identify the suspect. The incident highlights the legal consequences of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Kaleigh Reaves faces charges of negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving while intoxicated. The investigation remains active following her surrender at the Pulaski County District Court.

The players

Kaleigh Reaves

She is a 24-year-old resident of Little Rock who surrendered to law enforcement regarding a fatal hit-and-run.

Arkansas State Police

This state-level law enforcement agency led the investigation into the fatal incident on Interstate 430.

The details

Special agents with the Arkansas State Police identified the suspect after recovering vehicle fragments at the 6-mile marker of Interstate 430. Investigators tracked the vehicle and interviewed Reaves before she surrendered to authorities.

Timeline

  1. September 14, 2026, at 1 a.m., authorities found the victim on the interstate.

  2. September 18, 2026, Kaleigh Reaves surrendered to authorities at the courthouse.

Legal Context

The charges filed follow the specific framework of the Arkansas negligent homicide statute, which governs fatal vehicular incidents. This case reflects the standard prosecutorial response to hit-and-run fatalities in the state.

The incident occurred near the 6-mile marker of Interstate 430, impacting traffic flow and local safety awareness. Residents and commuters in the area are encouraged to report any additional information regarding the incident to state authorities.

The takeaway

Drivers involved in accidents are legally obligated to remain at the scene to provide assistance and contact authorities. Leaving the scene of an accident significantly increases the severity of criminal charges, including potential long-term incarceration.

Further reading

For more information on local investigations, visit the Crime — General section.