Mazda Driver Avoids Arrest for 20 Miles Until PIT Maneuver Concludes Reckless Pursuit, Crashes Into Civilians | Carscoops

      During the pursuit, the officer's PIT maneuver resulted in a direct crash, underscoring the risks associated with aggressive pursuit strategies.

      

      March 22, 2025, at 21:01

      By Stephen Rivers

      Georgia State Police followed a Mazda 3 for 20 miles before executing a PIT maneuver.

      The high-speed chase exceeded 100 mph and narrowly avoided multiple collisions.

      The chase concluded with a crash involving a Chevrolet Malibu and a Toyota Camry.

      A recent high-speed police chase in Georgia is yet another example of the lengths officers are willing to go to when a driver refuses to stop. For 20 tense miles, the driver of a Mazda 3 managed to evade capture, weaving through traffic and pushing the vehicle to its limits. However, as traffic increased, so did the likelihood of an eventual capture.

      The entire event was captured on dashcam, and its conclusion has sparked renewed discussions about the pursuit strategies employed by the Georgia State Patrol.

      According to the video description, the lead trooper began a traffic stop before the video footage started. Instead of stopping, the driver fled, initiating the chase. The suspect disregarded stop signs and red lights, occasionally driving against oncoming traffic to escape the officers. Nonetheless, the Georgia State Police persisted in their pursuit.

      Navigating at 100 MPH

      The police continued to close in while narrowly avoiding collisions throughout the chase. The description notes that the Mazda reached speeds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h) at various points. However, every time it appeared that the officer could successfully perform a PIT maneuver on the Mazda, traffic conditions prevented it.

      At one stage, the pursuit halted at a construction zone, but vehicles promptly made way, allowing the chase to resume. It was only when speeds decreased and traffic became congested that the officers decided to perform the PIT maneuver. When executed, it caused the Mazda to collide with a Chevrolet Malibu, followed by the officer crashing into a Toyota Camry. Despite the chaos, they managed to apprehend the suspect, who is reportedly facing charges for marijuana possession and fleeing from law enforcement.

      Collateral Damage: Who Is Responsible?

      Did the police act recklessly during this situation? Clearly, the suspect crashed as a consequence of the officer's PIT maneuver, and the police vehicle also collided with the Camry. However, it is not guaranteed that the police will cover the damages or depreciation for the Toyota and Chevrolet. As highlighted in a similar case in Cincinnati, vehicle owners must demonstrate that the officers acted with "reckless disregard" when enacting the PIT maneuver to hold the department liable for any damages.

      If they can substantiate that claim, the department may be responsible for the damages. Perhaps this is why the Atlanta Journal Constitution has criticized the GSP’s pursuit policy, arguing that it often poses greater risks to the public than to the individuals being pursued.

      Image Credit: State Boyzzz