Pursuit
3 ways law enforcement agencies can manage high-risk vehicle events and rebuild trust with the community
‘I held my breath for a moment, but the sound of breathing continued. My heart sank and my stomach tightened.’
A training expert discusses why agencies should include pursuit in their de-escalation training and what factors ensure the lessons last
“The reality is that all force, all violence is ugly. But just because force is ugly does not mean it is unlawful or contrary to (agency) policy,” Sheriff T.K. Waters said
The suspect allegedly stole a utility vehicle, led police on a slow-speed pursuit and eventually ran across nine lanes of traffic on a busy freeway
“Just this week alone, I’ve had a patrol car damaged, I’ve had two officers, deputies, that were trying to be run over by smuggler drivers. This is every day down here,” Sheriff Mark Dannels said
When the suspect attacked the officer, the officer’s firearm had been dislodged from its holster, leading to a struggle between the officer and the suspect over the handgun
“I think the way my wheels were placed, the way I parked and the way I’m trained at the department, that was a critical part of me making it,” Sgt. Ron Malone said
“From our estimation, had [the suspect’s] bullet struck just a few inches away, it could easily have gravely wounded, or even killed, the officer,” police said
The suspect took the deputy’s gun during the altercation, but the deputy was able to regain control of his firearm and fire several shots at the man
The pursuit, which lasted for 10 miles, reached speeds of about 19 miles per hour; the man attempted to flee on foot while carrying the dog but was apprehended in a parking lot
The rear tires of the stolen cruiser were deflated by spike strips; dash cam video shows officers performing a pit maneuver to stop the stolen cruiser
The trooper was dragged about a half mile hanging out the suspect’s car window; the suspect reached speeds near 100 mph before the trooper was able to get free
Shortly after the suspect’s car was pinned by the pickup truck, he began to surrender but got stuck while climbing out of the window
“There’s hornets everywhere,” an officer can be heard saying on the video with the wasps visibly crawling on his uniform and skin
Terrance Trent Darby, 34, allegedly drove the ambulance toward a sheriff’s office captain who was setting up stop sticks to assist with ending the pursuit
New Orleans police tracked down two ambulances stolen from two different hospitals in one week
“You can get a suspect another day, but you can’t get a life back,” Executive Director Chuck Wexler said
“I’m incredibly proud of officers Williams and Mazin, who faced evil and did not back down,” Chief Eddie Garcia said
During the last time the vehicle showed up near the officers’ location, the driver attempted to flee by driving in reverse, hitting another cruiser with his vehicle
HPD officers will no longer pursue drivers suspected of Class C offenses, including minor traffic violations and theft, according to the new policy
The trooper was dragged several yards down the pavement, curling his legs up into his body while holding onto the car before he landed in the middle of traffic
“I believe with every fiber of my being that the dog saved officers’ lives, and less than 10 minutes later, they were trying to save the dog’s life,” Sgt. Toby Nix said
The suspect stopped the big rig on a dirt shoulder, put it into reverse and rammed into one of the patrol vehicles, disabling it
As the suspect attempted to flee, he deliberately drove the stolen government SUV into multiple cruisers, just barely missing officers
A woman wanted in connection with a fatal shooting tried to flee from Cleveland police as she ran through multiple aisles at Walmart
As the suspect started to drive away, he backed into a cruiser, hitting an officer in the process; the suspect then drove the wrong way on a highway
“People thinking they can take off on us — those days are over,” NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said
“Man, as soon as I heard that dog, I gave up,” the suspects told the Pierce County sheriff’s deputies as they were being arrested
“K-9 Waro is being recognized for his heroism and selflessness as he gave his life protecting others,” Clayton police said. “He was loved by many and will be sorely missed”
“While we know that our officers are the Greatest Of All Time, it really was the GOATS who get the credit on this one,” the Tulsa Police Department said
“If your plan is to come into Thurston County with your buddies and do a lot of damage to our businesses and then flee, you’re going to want a better plan” the sheriff warned
How law enforcement professionals can make better decisions when it comes to engaging in, refraining from or terminating vehicle pursuits
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