Notable Police Chase Incident

Date and Location

• Date: February 7, 2024
• Location: Tontitown, Arkansas

Summary of the Incident

• Officers from Tontitown Police received a distress call regarding a stolen U-Haul van.
• The van was pursued at speeds exceeding 120 mph.
• Occupants of the van were armed with multiple firearms and Molotov cocktails.
• Multiple agencies were involved, including the Arkansas State Police, known for their aggressive pursuit tactics.

Communication During the Pursuit

• Officers communicated plans to box in the vehicle and execute a PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver.
• Initial contact for the PIT attempt was done at a speed of 101 mph.

PIT Maneuver Details

• Many agencies consider PIT maneuvers above 45 mph as lethal force.
• The officer’s speed tracker malfunctioned during the attempt.
• The squad car lost control when the push bumper hooked onto the U-Haul.

Aftermath of the Chase

• Officers attempted to apprehend the suspects, urging them to exit the vehicle.
• Tensions were high during the apprehension, with audible distress and urgency in officer communications.

Charges Against Suspects

• Charges faced by the suspects include:
  • Aggravated assault
  • Criminal conspiracy
  • Possession of destructive devices
  • Fleeing
  • Battery
  • Criminal mischief
  • Resisting arrest
• The suspects are also wanted in connection with an incident in Michigan where they attempted to run over police officers.

Incident Conclusion

• The pursuit originated in Locust Grove, Oklahoma and ended approximately 60 miles away in Springdale, Arkansas.
• Four patrol vehicles were damaged and taken out of commission due to the incident.
• Footage of the crash was captured by an Arkansas DOT camera, highlighting the dramatic nature of the chase.

Sources

• Information gathered from various news reports and SafetyVid.org.