A new viral video has hit the web showing Arkansas police deploying a PIT maneuver to end a high-speed chase involving a Chevy Trailblazer. The vehicle in the spotlight is the third-generation small crossover, rather than the older body-on-frame Trailblazer. The vehicle involved in the chase was supposedly rented.
According to the video description, the chase occurred on May 17th, 2024, around 4:30 p.m., at which time Russellville Police Department initiated pursuit of a maroon Chevy Trailblazer with a paper tag. The occupants were suspected of cashing a fraudulent check at a local bank.
The chase reached speeds approaching 130 mph, with police following the Chevy Trailblazer down State Highway 7 into Yell County, through Dardanelle, and onto State Highway 22 into Logan County. The Dardanelle Police Department and Logan County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit. Arkansas State Police later attempted to intercept the suspects on State Highway 109. Despite reckless driving that endangered other motorists, the pursuit continued across multiple counties.
Around the four-minute mark in the video, we see the Chevy Trailblazer hit some railroad tracks, causing it to become airborne. The driver slams on the brakes and briefly loses control, but continues to run.
Around the four-and-a-half-minute mark, we see the lead officer execute a successful PIT maneuver (also known as a Tactical Vehicle Intervention, or TVI), causing the Trailblazer to crash into a barbed wire fence.
Three of the vehicle occupants were subsequently arrested, with charges including fleeing, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, speeding, reckless driving, improper passing, and driving without a valid license. The rented Chevy Trailblazer was towed to the Russellville Police Department for further investigation.
As a reminder, the third-generation Chevy Trailblazer crossover is equipped with one of two engine options. The first is the turbocharged 1.2L I3 LIH gasoline engine, delivering 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The second option is the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine, which produces 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The 2025 model year will see the replacement of the 1.2L I3 LIH engine with the E85-compatible 1.2L I3 LBP engine.
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Comments
What inbred, smooth brain, half wit is making these decisions in Arkansas!? They went through all that to protect the bank over a couple of printed-out-of-thin-air fiat monopoly dollars – meanwhile the rental company and their insurance just lost an entire car. How much was the check for? It couldn’t possibly have been worth more than what they wasted in time, fuel and vehicle damage much less putting everyones lives in danger.
You’d feel very different if you’d been a victim of identity theft as I have, bogus checks is but one form of I/D theft that is a major problem.
You’d feel different if your ‘barefoot’ children were crossing at an intersection and got vaporized by a dodge going a buck 30. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ money is not the most valuable thing anymore. Thing about it.
Great attitude, what’s the big deal? You’re part of the reason this country is in the state of lawlessness it is. Law enforcement did their job and kudos to them!
130 mph?? I would have never guessed a Trailblazer could even do 100 mph. Maybe GM should post the top speed of each model. It might change a few minds about what vehicle to purchase.
The Trailblazer couldn’t hit 130 mph going down a very steep hill or over a cliff; it was the Arkansas constabulary who were doing all this uncalled for and dangerous high speed pursuit crap.
Shameful policing. Risking the lives of people, including the suspects, over a bum check, is clearly over the top and rips off taxpayers who end up paying the bills for all this good ol’ boy Dukes of Hazard insanity.
All these lowlifes had to do was… PULL OVER.
You’d feel different if you’d been got for over $2,000 as my wife an I was by an identity thief via a bogus check, Lifelock got our money back after close to 60 days, the I/D thief took awhile to catch. Bogus checks is but one form of identity theft.
this department is a joke. all that over a check.
That was the bank that Mattie Ross established. We all know how she wants justice.
You can’t say what they are guilty of until they are stopped and some investigation is done. Many a vehicle has been stopped for lesser reasons and a body found inside but you Sherlocks would give them a pass.
High speed chase with a 3-cylinder. 😂