PALESTINE, Ark. (February 4, 2012)--Arkansas State Police officials Saturday identified a man they say shot himself to death after fleeing when troopers tried to stop his vehicle on Interstate 40 in eastern Arkansas as Rex Lee McCollum, 60, of Grapevine.

Troopers responded to a report of a vehicle that was westbound from West Memphis with the driver brandishing a firearm late Thursday.

Troopers stopped the vehicle near Forrest City, but say the driver sped off as they approached the car.

State Police spokesman Bill Sadler said troopers pursued the vehicle until it passed the Palestine exit and stopped.

Troopers say they approached the car and found the driver dead of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities say a handgun was recovered from the car.