Image via Scooper/YouTube
While there certainly are cops who literally embody the stereotype of a donut-eating, out-of-shape slug, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper in a recent pursuit video shows he’s in tremendous shape. After a suspect on his Harley-Davidson led FHP on a fairly lengthy pursuit, putting countless lives at risk, the one trooper literally tackled the guy off his bike like a linebacker sacking a quarterback.
Actor says he sold his truck because gas in California is too expensive.
We love to see this kind of enthusiasm about protecting and serving the public. After all, even though some guys seem to think it’s no big deal, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase is selfish and reckless. That’s why in most areas you’ll get hit with at least one felony charge for fleeing.
What triggered an attempted traffic stop was a trooper observing the rider passing a car on a stretch of road with a double solid yellow line. Instead of just pulling over and taking a ticket or maybe a warning, the suspect runs.
While fleeing, he crosses the double yellow line repeatedly, passing slower traffic as the trooper gives chase. And the guy keeps signaling with his arm like he’s going to pull over, yet he doesn’t.
As the trooper tries maneuvering to force the Harley to slow down or stop, the suspect starts getting more aggressive. The cat and mouse game continues down numerous streets with close calls, high speeds, blown red lights, and other stupidity on two wheels. Surely the ticket for passing illegally wouldn’t have been as bad as what’s coming to this guy.
But like a stubborn mule he keeps running until two FHP units box him in, one in front and one to the side, forcing him to slow down and eventually get on the shoulder. Perhaps realizing he’s done, the guy stops.
Rather than take the chance he might run again, a trooper gets out of his cruiser and does a flying tackle, knocking the suspect off his bike and onto the ground before his colleagues come in and help get the guy in handcuffs.
In the report, it’s mentioned the suspect claims he was trying to put his kickstand down. Do you believe him? Do you think the trooper was justified in tackling the guy? Or was that too much for someone who was surrendering?
Image via Scooper/YouTube
