Arkansas Father Rushing Sick Child to Hospital Avoids Charges After Officer PIT Maneuver

Incident sparks debate over police pursuit tactics and emergency response protocols

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A recent incident in Little Rock, Arkansas, where a state trooper used a PIT maneuver on a father rushing his sick child to the hospital, has ignited a national conversation about police pursuit tactics and emergency response protocols. While the father, Dillon Hess, will not face charges, the event raises critical questions about the balance between officer safety and the urgency of medical emergencies.

Why it matters

This case is part of a growing trend of increased PIT maneuver usage in Arkansas, even as overall pursuits decline. The tactic, which involves intentionally nudging the rear of a fleeing vehicle to cause it to spin out, raises concerns about the potential for serious injury or even death to both occupants and officers.

The details

According to data, state troopers were involved in 432 pursuits in 2025, with PIT maneuvers employed in 52% of those chases - a significant increase from 29% before 2023. In the Hess case, the trooper, Amber Cass, was reportedly unaware of the medical emergency, highlighting a critical flaw in current procedures: a lack of real-time communication between dispatchers, officers, and civilians in emergency situations.

  • The incident occurred in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2026.
  • State troopers were involved in 432 pursuits in 2025, with PIT maneuvers used in 52% of those chases.

The players

Dillon Hess

The Arkansas father who was rushing his sick child to the hospital when a state trooper used a PIT maneuver on his vehicle.

Trooper Amber Cass

The Arkansas state trooper who used the PIT maneuver on Dillon Hess's vehicle, reportedly unaware of the medical emergency.

Arkansas State Police

The law enforcement agency that has been compelled to explain trooper use of the PIT technique on two separate occasions this year.

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What they’re saying

“We must prioritize safety, communication, and accountability in our approach to emergency vehicle interceptions.”

— Nick Genty, Arkansas State Police Spokesperson

What’s next

The ongoing investigation by the Arkansas office of professional standards into Trooper Cass's actions will likely focus on whether the PIT maneuver was a reasonable response given the circumstances.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for improved real-time communication between dispatchers, officers, and civilians during emergency situations, as well as the exploration of alternative pursuit tactics that prioritize control and de-escalation over immediate apprehension.