High speed police pursuit ended with PIT maneuver

Forsyth County, USA – Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) released body cam and dash cam footage of a mobile pursuit which occurred April 12th, 2021 after a call for service about a reckless driver throwing items into a parking lot. 

A BOLO (Be On The Lookout) was issued for a black Dodger Charger, which was believed possibly be connected to recent area thefts. Officers quickly located the vehicle and observed the driver was using a cell phone, whilst driving.

Deputies followed the vehicle into the parking lot of Merchant’s Square, where four males alighted from the vehicle. 

When deputies approached to conduct the traffic stop, the suspects returned to the vehicle and drove away at speed. A pursuit was initiated, which was safely ended when officers performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (P.I.T.) maneuver. 

After several attempts to get the occupants to comply with verbal commands, they were taken into custody without injury.

All of the occupants were Chicago residents and told deputies that they were in town on “vacation,” however, the driver tendered a fake I.D. and they were in possession of several ski masks.

The driver and one passenger have an extensive criminal record, including multiple felony convictions for crimes of violence in Illinois.

Video of pursuit –