Chevy Blazer Split Apart After Arkansas State Police PIT

A routine traffic violation quickly turned into a dangerous high-speed pursuit in Arkansas when a Chevrolet Blazer refused to stop for police. What followed was a dramatic attempt by Arkansas State Police to bring the chase to an end at high speed.

THE CHASE BEGINS

The pursuit started after local officers with the Independence County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer for driving left of the center line on Highway 122. Instead of pulling over, the driver continued fleeing, turning a simple traffic stop into a dangerous pursuit.

THE DRIVER KEPT GOING DESPITE POLICE ATTEMPTS TO STOP THE SUV.

According to the trooper's report, the chase had already continued for roughly 15 miles before Arkansas State Police became involved. Officers also attempted to use spike strips, but the fleeing vehicle managed to continue.

TROOPER SETS UP THE PIT

Arkansas State Police Trooper Dustin Carpenter eventually became the lead unit. He attempted to position his patrol vehicle for a traditional PIT maneuver, but the Blazer would not allow him to reach the rear quarter panel.

Instead, Carpenter used the vehicle's exposed trailer hitch as the contact point.

AT ABOUT 88 MPH, THE TROOPER MADE CONTACT WITH THE FLEEING BLAZER.

The maneuver caused the SUV to rotate violently toward the side of the roadway.

THE BLAZER CRASHES INTO THE FENCE

After spinning across the roadway, the Chevrolet Blazer left the pavement and entered the roadside area. The SUV struck a mailbox and then crashed through a vinyl fence before coming to rest near a utility pole.

The damage was severe, leaving the Blazer heavily wrecked and separated into damaged sections.

THE HIGH-SPEED PIT TURNED THE PURSUIT INTO A MAJOR CRASH IN JUST SECONDS.

Despite the violent collision, authorities reported that the driver survived and was transported to White River Medical Center for treatment.

THE DRIVER IS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

After the crash, the pursuit finally came to an end. Authorities reported that the driver had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and was subsequently arrested.

The driver faced multiple charges, including felony fleeing, reckless driving, aggravated assault, criminal mischief, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, driving on a suspended license, speeding, careless driving, and failure to wear a seat belt.

WHAT BEGAN AS A TRAFFIC STOP ENDED WITH A DESTROYED CHEVY BLAZER AND A HIGH-SPEED POLICE INTERVENTION.

The incident is a striking example of how quickly a traffic violation can escalate when a driver chooses to flee rather than stop.