Arkansas State Police reported that a driver fleeing from police died after troopers executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver on the car. The incident occurred on Interstate 30 in Little Rock. The vehicle involved was a 2006 BMW with fictitious tags. According to the police, the driver ran two red lights, reached speeds of 120 mph, and nearly collided with another motorist.
Colonel Mike Hagar of the Arkansas State Police emphasized that fleeing from law enforcement is reckless and carries serious consequences. While regretting any loss of life, Hagar stated that ASP Troopers prioritize the safety of innocent motorists. During the incident, an FN Five-seven semi-automatic pistol was found in the vehicle.
The speed at which the car was traveling at the time of the maneuver was not disclosed by officials. Generally, PIT maneuvers become risky when the vehicle exceeds 35 mph. The identity of the driver has not been revealed, and the reason for the attempted traffic stop by troopers remains undisclosed.
In a separate incident, Cpl. Thomas Hubbard, an Arkansas state trooper, retired after mistakenly performing a PIT maneuver on a vehicle unrelated to the chase. The chase involved a vehicle traveling at speeds of 100 mph.
The PIT maneuver is a technique used by officers to forcefully turn a vehicle 180 degrees in an attempt to bring it to a stop.
