Arkansas Trooper Used PIT Maneuver on Car Taking Child to Hospital

State police say the trooper was unaware the driver was rushing a child to medical care.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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An Arkansas State Police trooper used a PIT maneuver to stop a vehicle on Interstate 630 in Little Rock last week, unaware that the driver was rushing a child to the hospital. No one was injured, and the state police later dropped all charges against the driver.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement can face when trying to stop vehicles in emergency situations, and the importance of clear communication between drivers and police when transporting someone in need of urgent medical care.

The details

The trooper used a technique called a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) or PIT maneuver to halt the vehicle around 8:28 a.m. on February 20th. The state police spokesman said they could not name the trooper involved, as it is part of an ongoing investigation. It's unclear if the driver had their hazard lights on or took other steps to indicate they were transporting someone needing medical attention.

  • The incident occurred on February 20, 2026 around 8:28 a.m.
  • In June 2023, a state trooper used a similar PIT maneuver to stop a driver headed to a hospital in Little Rock.

The players

Arkansas State Police

The state law enforcement agency that employs the trooper involved in the incident.

Col. Mike Hagar

The director of the Arkansas State Police, who agreed with the decision to drop charges against the driver.

Nick Genty

The Arkansas State Police spokesman who provided details about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“This incident underscores the importance of communication when it's necessary to transport someone having a medical emergency in a private vehicle, which occurs with regularity across Arkansas.”

— Col. Mike Hagar, Director, Arkansas State Police (arkansasonline.com)

“Drivers transporting people in need of medical care should always call 911, tell the dispatcher what's going on, and identify their vehicle, destination, and route.”

— Nick Genty, Spokesman, Arkansas State Police (arkansasonline.com)

What’s next

The Arkansas State Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for better coordination and communication between law enforcement and drivers transporting someone in a medical emergency, in order to avoid dangerous confrontations on the road.