Officer Rides Car Hood in Wild Oklahoma Pursuit
An Oklahoma police officer rode on the hood of a suspect's car during a chase, an action an expert calls dangerous. The pursuit ended with the arrest of a 17-year-old. The police department has not commented on the incident.
Officer Rides Car Hood in Wild Oklahoma Pursuit
An Oklahoma police officer’s unusual tactic during a recent high-speed chase involved riding on the hood of a suspect’s car. The pursuit ended with the arrest of a 17-year-old driver. This event has raised questions about officer safety and police procedures.
Chase Details Emerge
The incident began when officers spotted a teenage boy riding a minibike without headlights after dark. Police reported this created a serious hazard for other drivers on the road. The driver, identified as a 17-year-old, then led officers on a chase.
Unconventional Tactic Used
During the pursuit, an officer took an extraordinary measure to stop the fleeing vehicle. The officer climbed onto the hood of the suspect’s car and clung there, reportedly directing the driver to keep moving. The body camera footage captured the officer’s voice urging the driver, “Go, go, go, go, go. Drive.” This action aimed to bring the situation to a swift conclusion.
“A whole host of things could have gone wrong. The officer could have fallen off of the car and been injured. A bystander could have been injured because we have a distracted driver who certainly isn’t trained to drive a car with the person on top of it.”
– Carmen Best, former Seattle Police Chief
Expert Raises Safety Concerns
Carmen Best, a former Seattle Police Chief, expressed significant concerns about the officer’s decision. She highlighted the numerous dangers involved. Best pointed out the risk of the officer falling and sustaining serious injuries. She also noted the potential danger to the public if the distracted driver lost control of the vehicle.
The suspect, the officer, and the public were all put at risk by this unconventional maneuver. The driver was reportedly not trained to operate a vehicle with someone on the hood. This added another layer of unpredictability to an already dangerous situation.
Suspect Arrested, Questions Remain
The pursuit concluded with the arrest of the 17-year-old driver. The arrest was captured on body camera, showing a brief struggle as officers took the teenager into custody. The suspect is heard saying, “I’m not resisting.” Officers responded, “YES, YOU ARE. STOP RESISTING.” The teen then asked if he could call his mother, to which an officer replied, “You’re not calling nobody.”
The officer involved stated in a report that he acted with “due regard for the safety of the public, the assisting citizen, and the violator.” He claimed the goal was to achieve a safe resolution. The body camera footage also included the officer praising the suspect, calling him, “What a great citizen.” This comment seems to refer to the suspect’s compliance after the initial chase.
Police Department Silent
The Oklahoma City Police Department has not yet released a statement or responded to requests for comment regarding the incident. The department’s official stance on the officer’s actions remains unclear. This lack of comment leaves the public and experts to speculate on the appropriateness of the tactic.
Judgment and Real-World Consequences
Carmen Best continued to question the judgment displayed during the chase. She emphasized the difference between real-life police work and fictional portrayals. “I think it’s hard to argue that that was good judgment and good discernment. This isn’t uh Hollywood television. This is real life, real consequences,” Best stated.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of police pursuits. It also brings to light the difficult decisions officers must make under pressure. The safety of all involved, including the public, is paramount in such situations.
Looking Ahead
The Oklahoma City Police Department’s review of this incident will be crucial. Further details on their internal investigation and any policy discussions are anticipated. The public will be watching to see if any changes in procedure are implemented following this unusual event.
Source: Oklahoma police officer rides on car hood during chase (YouTube)





