A high-speed pursuit in Arkansas on April 24, 2026, culminated in a dramatic crash after a state trooper attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver at 133 mph (214 km/h). The incident, documented on dashcam footage, has reignited discussions about the safety and appropriateness of employing PIT maneuvers, particularly at high speeds and in areas with heavy traffic.

The Pursuit and Crash

The pursuit involved Arkansas State Police Trooper Collier Wright and a suspect driving a Ford Fusion. Trooper Wright initiated the PIT maneuver at 9:31 PM, but the attempt did not go as planned. Instead of disabling the suspect’s vehicle, both cars collided, sending the suspect’s car into a barrier.

Following the initial collision, Trooper Wright lost control of his patrol car, narrowly avoiding three other motorists. His vehicle then crashed into a highway barrier, swerved across lanes at over 100 mph (160 km/h), impacted the opposite barrier, and slid backwards, causing substantial damage.

Suspect’s Condition and Ongoing Investigation

The current status of the suspect involved in the pursuit remains unknown. The Arkansas State Police has not yet released a statement regarding the incident. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash and whether Trooper Wright’s actions were justified.

PIT Maneuver Safety Concerns

This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with PIT maneuvers, especially when performed at high speeds. Many law enforcement agencies across the United States have implemented strict guidelines regarding their use.

Varying Agency Policies

For example, the California Highway Patrol limits PIT maneuvers to speeds of 35 mph (56 km/h) or less, while the North Carolina Highway Patrol allows them up to 55 mph (89 km/h). Exceeding these speed thresholds is often considered the use of deadly force. These restrictions are based on the unpredictable physics involved at high speeds and the potential for catastrophic consequences.

The proximity of the suspect to the state line – approximately one mile – may have influenced Trooper Wright’s decision to attempt to stop the suspect before they crossed into another jurisdiction.

The dashcam footage, widely shared online, visually demonstrates the chaos and danger of the pursuit, fueling the ongoing debate about police pursuit policies and public safety. The outcome of the investigation could significantly impact future police pursuit tactics and training procedures.