FHP Trooper Uses PIT Maneuver to Stop Fleeing Mercedes

Driver arrested after short pursuit in Tampa

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:33pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a high-speed pursuit that ended with a PIT maneuver.A damaged car sensor lens reflects a faint red light, illustrating the aftermath of a high-speed pursuit that ended with a PIT maneuver.Today in Tampa

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said a driver was arrested after fleeing from Hillsborough County deputies and leading troopers on a short pursuit in Tampa on April 13. FHP received a request for assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office after a 2019 Mercedes AMG GLE43 failed to stop for deputies.

Why it matters

High-speed pursuits pose a serious risk to public safety, which is why law enforcement agencies have strict protocols around when and how to engage in chases. The PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) maneuver is a last-resort tactic used to safely stop a fleeing vehicle, but it must be executed with precision to avoid further endangering others.

The details

According to FHP, the driver of the Mercedes refused to pull over for deputies, leading to a short pursuit. A trooper then performed a PIT maneuver, causing the Mercedes to spin out and come to a stop. The driver, whose identity has not been released, was taken into custody.

  • The incident occurred on April 13, 2026.
  • FHP received the request for assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on the same day.

The players

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

The state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling Florida's highways and interstates.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that initially attempted to stop the fleeing Mercedes before requesting FHP assistance.

Driver of the Mercedes

The unidentified individual who fled from deputies and was subsequently arrested after the PIT maneuver.

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What’s next

The driver will likely face charges related to fleeing and eluding law enforcement, as well as any other violations stemming from the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the dangers of high-speed pursuits and the importance of law enforcement agencies having effective intervention techniques, like the PIT maneuver, to safely apprehend fleeing suspects without endangering the public.