An Arkansas father who was speeding while rushing his sick son to hospital will not face charges after a state trooper used a tactical vehicle intervention, known as a Pit manoeuvre, to stop his car. Authorities confirmed the decision following an investigation into the incident that occurred on 20 February on Interstate 630 near Little Rock.
The father, Dillon Hess, was driving his Jeep Cherokee with his wife and two young sons when his three-year-old suffered an allergic reaction. State police said Trooper Amber Cass was unaware of the medical emergency and initiated a pursuit after Hess failed to stop. Video footage shows Cass striking Hess's side fender at 70mph in a 60mph zone, causing his vehicle to spin out before pinning it against a concrete barrier.
In the video, Cass can be heard telling Hess that he 'could have gotten to the hospital quicker if he had stopped' and that he now faced a felony charge. However, Arkansas State Police Director Col Mike Hagar later stated that the case 'underscores the importance of communication when it's necessary to transport someone having a medical emergency in a private vehicle'.
State police spokesperson Nick Genty emphasised that drivers in such emergencies should always call 911 to inform dispatchers of their vehicle, destination and route. Cass's report justified her use of the Pit manoeuvre, also known as precision immobilisation technique, by citing her lack of knowledge about Hess's intentions and the approach of heavier traffic.
This marks the second time this year Arkansas state police have faced scrutiny over the use of Pit manoeuvres. A previous incident led to a trooper being fired for ramming the wrong car. Records show that state troopers conducted 432 pursuits in 2025, with Pit manoeuvres used in 52% of cases, a significant increase from 29% prior to 2023.
The state's Office of Professional Standards is now conducting an investigation into Trooper Cass's actions.
