March 28, 2023: A California Highway Patrolman was reminded that, despite it being common in the law enforcement lexicon, there is no such thing as a "routine traffic stop." As he interviewed one party regarding a traffic collision, the suspect seen here gained access to the patrolman's cruiser 463, also seen here. The resulting car chase ends in a graphic manner.

The video footage provided here is from the vantage point of a pursuing helicopter. The suspect weaves the patrol car around semi-truck traffic at 0:14 seconds, at an approximate 50-60 mph. Audio cuts out but resumes at 0:37 seconds as the suspect crosses a 4-way intersection. As he crosses the intersection, he appears to run over a spike strip, placed by CHP. At 0:58, while ascertaining whether the weapons in the cruiser are still secure, pursuing news crew notice the left rear tire flattening, likely due to said spikes. At 1:02, the wheel separates completely, and the vehicle begins to slow.

At 01:21, we see the first depiction of the suspect exiting the vehicle at an approximate 45 miles per hour. Whether a plan born of desperation or a bad understanding of physics, the suspect is unable to keep his feet at such a speed, and immediately, his feet fly from beneath him as the back of his head slams into asphalt. He tumbles and slides to a stop as the cruiser continues on, striking a pole and coming to a stop at 01:32. The first depiction of this incident has the initial response blurred.

The second iteration of this footage shows the immediate police response after the suspect bails out of the vehicle. As one officer moves to the unconcious suspect, another on the left side of the road (bottom of screen) apparently draws his handgun to effect an arrest on the suspect who, it bears repeating, just knocked himself out on the asphalt at 45 miles per hour. The officer who went toward the suspect shoves the officer with the gun, at 01:36 before the scene is again blurred. At 02:05, the suspect is dragged from the roadway. This is done to move him away from the downed power lines resultant from the cruiser crash. The lines will complicate EMS response. Commentary at 02:28 suggests that the suspect has had mental health issues in the past, which may provide context to his behavior. Unfortunately, follow-up reports reveal the suspect died from injuries sustained.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.