By John Q. Hosedrinker 
An Arkansas State Police trooper, unaware of a medical emergency, employed a ramming technique to stop a vehicle transporting a child experiencing an allergic reaction. The trooper used a Tactical Vehicle Intervention to halt the vehicle, subsequently calling an ambulance for the child. While no one was injured and the driver will not face charges, the incident prompts an investigation and highlights the importance of clear communication during medical emergencies.
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The recent incident involving an Arkansas State Trooper using a PIT maneuver on a vehicle transporting a child to the hospital has sparked significant controversy and raised serious questions about law enforcement tactics. The core of the issue lies in the trooper’s decision to employ such a forceful measure when the occupants of the car were, by all accounts, facing a medical emergency. It appears the passenger in the vehicle was actually on the phone with 911, trying to get assistance for the child, at the very moment the PIT maneuver was executed. This detail is particularly damning, suggesting a profound misunderstanding or disregard for the urgency of the situation.
This unfortunate event echoes a troubling trend where the use of the PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver seems to be increasing, even as the number of pursuits decreases. In 2023, a law went into effect in Arkansas making fleeing from law enforcement a felony, and while authorities credit its enforcement with reducing pursuits, the percentage of times troopers opt for the PIT maneuver has notably gone up. This shift is concerning, especially when juxtaposed with instances where this tactic has been misapplied, as seen in another case in early 2026 where a trooper mistakenly rammed the wrong vehicle, which also happened to carry a child.
The incident also highlights a pattern of questionable PIT maneuver usage in Arkansas. In 2023, another trooper retired after a similar incident involving ramming the wrong vehicle. While no one was injured in those specific prior cases, the repeated use of this tactic in potentially inappropriate circumstances raises a red flag. Records show that troopers used the PIT maneuver in approximately 52% of chases last year, a significant increase from previous years where the rate never exceeded 29%, even in years with more pursuits. This suggests a department-wide inclination towards employing this high-risk maneuver.
Adding to the concern, the data regarding pursuits and fatalities is stark. Since 2016, 27 people have died as a result of pursuits, with a disturbing 19 of those deaths occurring since 2023. The seven pursuit deaths reported in 2025 alone were the highest on record since at least 2016. This alarming statistic raises questions about the cost-effectiveness and justification for such interventions, particularly when considering the financial burden of emergency medical services. The cost of an ambulance ride can be astronomically high, with a significant percentage of ground ambulance rides potentially resulting in out-of-network bills not always covered by federal protections, pushing individuals into financial distress.
The specific details of the recent case are particularly galling. The trooper allegedly used the PIT maneuver on a vehicle traveling at 70 mph in a 60 mph zone, spinning it across three lanes of traffic. This action, taken while a child was in urgent need of medical attention, seems excessively aggressive. The fact that the driver had asked 911 for a police escort, and that the incident occurred near Arkansas Children’s Hospital, only amplifies the perceived insensitivity and poor judgment displayed by the trooper.
It’s also noteworthy that the Arkansas State Police have reportedly been de-certified by BSR, the company that developed and standardized the PIT maneuver, for its repeated use in unsafe conditions. This external assessment casts further doubt on the department’s practices. The tactic is now referred to by the Arkansas State Police as a “tactical vehicle intervention,” a rebranding that doesn’t alter the inherent risks associated with the maneuver itself. Reports indicate that the maneuver has resulted in fatalities, including innocent bystanders, which is an unacceptable outcome.
The broader context of public trust in law enforcement is also at play. For many, the advice to call the police in an emergency has been undermined by incidents like this. The expectation is that law enforcement should de-escalate situations, not create new dangers, especially when children are involved. The argument for higher educational standards and more rigorous psychological evaluations for police officers, along with stricter accountability measures, gains traction in light of these recurring issues.
The incident brings to mind other instances where Arkansas law enforcement has been criticized for aggressive tactics, including PIT maneuvers on vehicles with flashers on or during less urgent circumstances. The perception that troopers are quick to resort to such forceful measures, particularly for minor infractions, erodes public confidence. The question remains: when is the perceived threat significant enough to warrant a tactic that intentionally causes an accident on a public road, putting innocent lives at risk?
Ultimately, this incident underscores a critical need for re-evaluation of PIT maneuver policies and training within the Arkansas State Police. The focus should always be on the safety of the public, especially vulnerable populations like children. Employing a tactic that can be deemed lethal force for minor traffic violations, particularly when a medical emergency is unfolding, is not only questionable but also deeply concerning and potentially catastrophic. The goal of law enforcement should be to ensure safety and order, and in this instance, it appears that goal was severely compromised.