In Slow Pursuit

On 14th, in the West Village, two blocks from the school, I pass a driver, red faced and flushed, drinking from a can of Coors.

He’s drunk.

I flipped a U-ball  and accelerated, catching up to car in a couple of blocks. Behind the car, I hit the lights, the red and blue LEDs, and then the siren from Wail to Yelp and back again.

The drunk didn’t stop. The drunk didn’t slow.

I grab the mike.

7David4. I’ve got one not stopping. 13th and King.

The car continues six block south, past the empty parking spots and empty parking lots. It signals, turning left into the side streets.

7David4. Pursuit.

A slow pursuit with speeds never breaking twenty.

7David4. Permission to P.I.T.

At 15th, the drunk ignored the stop sign and drove through the intersection.

The sergeant chimed in, “P.I.T. authorized.”But there’s no room. 

Cars lines the narrow street on either side leaving twelve feet in between.

He signals, turns south, and slows.

7David4. Conditions dry. No traffic. He’s signaling. Speeds: Five miles per hour.

The drunk passes the next intersection and pulls into a driveway.

7David4. He’s stopping. York and 16th.

I box him in, toss the prowler in park, and boil out of the car.

Put your hands up. Put your hands your hands where I can see them.

My gun’s in my hand, finger out of the trigger guard, aimed at his center mass. 

His head swivels back. His hands are out of sight.

Do it. Put your hand up. Now! Where I can see them.

The third time I shout the command, he complies, placing his hands out the open window. Grabbing his left wrist with my left hand, I  reverse it into an arm bar levered against the doorjamb as his little, black dog barks in the backseat. I open the door and pull him out.

As I cuff and stuff him, the man says, “Sorry for eluding you, but I wanted to take my dog home before I went to jail.”

Comments

[RD]

He plead guilty. He blew an .08. He had three $50,000 warrants for his arrest dating back three, five, and eleven years each for DUII, Attempting to Elude, and Reckless Driving.

[TJ]

You and dogs - you're lucky he didn't bite you :) Glad he didn't hit anyone or anything in the slow-speed chase.

[Bookmobiler]

Doesn't sound like he should have had a dog license, never mind a drivers license.

Oh wait, he probably didn't have either.

Just out of curiosity, what did happen to the dog?

Would there have been any difference in that outcome if he had stopped when signaled?

[Lt]

Yes, but a polite drunk, and a dog lover.

Nice work.

[Jade]

Is it just me, or does it sound like this guy has completely given up on himself?

[RD]

@TJ,

Yes. Dogs don't like me in uniform.

If the pursuit who have become dangerous, I'd be obligated to terminate it.

@Bookmobiler,

He didn't have either.

His neighbor held his dog until family could come and get it.

If he stopped, I would have boxed him in.

@Jade,

Nope. He's a smart man. He's been on the run for years living under the law.

Bernie has completely given up on himself....

[Nurse Bear]

Gaaaaaaaah. Even though i know these stories have to turn out mostly okay, since you're posting them, i still find myself getting nervous with anticipation. I'm sure the real-life situation is even worse. How frustrating to find out it's all because of something stupid.

[Sister Copinherhair]

I'm sorry...am I the only one laughing out loud right now? You know that dog was thinking what a dumb ass his owner is for not stopping.

[PPG]

@Sister - LOL! Probably.

[Montie]

RD,

People who run in a high speed pursuit usually just want to get away. The slow rollers though always seem to have what they think is a logical reason for not stopping. I couldn't wait until I scrolled down and found out what this guy's reason was.

You should be thankful, that he wanted to get the pooch secured. I remember your last canine encounter.

[deputydog]

our slow speed chase of the week involved him wanting to see grandma before he went to jail on the 8 warrants (most for beating his girl)