Arkansas State Trooper Flips Pregnant Woman's Car at 60 MPH as She Tries to Pull Over

[UpInArms]

Video released earlier this week shows an Arkansas State Police officer executing a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver against a pregnant driver during a traffic stop, causing her car to spin out and flip against a concrete median. Nicole Harper, the woman in the vehicle, is now suing the officer, Senior Cpl. Rodney Dunn, alleging he negligently used deadly force during the July 2020 altercation, which took place in Pulaski County. Harper was pregnant at the time but did not lose her daughter, as she feared she might. Dunn claims he attempted to pull Harper over for speeding since she was going 84 mph despite a speed limit of 70 mph, at which point she bolted. Harper said she was searching for a safe place to stop on the highway, which had a reduced shoulder. Dashcam video shows Harper’s vehicle slowing down to 60 mph and turning on her hazard lights as she appeared to look for a place to stop. After the crash, Dunn asked her, “Why didn’t you stop?” Harper replied, “Because I didn’t feel it was safe.” And Dunn said, “Well, this is where you ended up.”

https://www.thedailybeast.com/arkansas-state-trooper-flips-pregnant-womans-car-at-60-mph-as-she-tries-to-pull-over

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[cadoman]

1. looks pretty open and shut

Even before I saw the interview with the woman I could tell it was just some poor frazzled person trying to figure out where to pull over safely late at night. They had one wheel off the road, blinkers flashing, and obviously wanted to just get to a safe spot as soon as possible without pissing off the cop.

Only defense the cop will have is if she passed an exit, and even then I'd give her the benefit of the doubt.

What's sad is you could just as easily see the cop flipping out on her for stopping on the narrow shoulder. There's just no winning with some of these hotheads...

[Journeyman]

2. I got to talking to a couple of California Highway Patrol officers in a diner one night . . .

and I asked them this very question: If you signal me to pull over on the freeway, should I do so immediately, or exit at the first offramp so we're all safely off the road.

One officer signaled to his ear, told me they would use their PA system to tell me what to do. Just turn down the tunes, crack my window, and wait for instructions. Sometimes it's safe to stop on the road and they would just as soon not leave the freeway; other times it's safer to pull off, especially if there's a well-lit area at the end of the ramp. Let them be your guide.

Sound advice. Wonder why the officer in this instance didn't follow it. And the pit maneuver? For a car with no active warrant or bolo? Seems a bit extreme to the situation.

[area51]

6. Interesting point, but what if the driver was deaf and didn't hear the PA system? n/t

[RegularJam]

7. Slowing down and putting your hazards on...

Should be all that’s needed. Shouldn’t have to concern yourself with police instructions if you are looking for a well lit place with people around.

I’ve had a vehicle with lights and a PA system on it. I’m not an officer. It’s very inexpensive to do.

To be transparent I had mine to bust friends partying. It was hilarious but I only got to do it a couple of times before everyone was aware. First party I busted was my own. I had a large party(we were teenagers) and went on a beer run with a friend. Went around the corner and fastened my lights on the top. I came around the corner to my house hauling ass with the lights on and my buddy yelling “let me see your hands” over the PA. It was a sea of teenagers throwing their beers and running. I’ll never forget how many of them actually threw their beers over the roof of the house. Fools.

Anyways, we should always be given the opportunity to find a well lit place with people around. No guarantee it’s actually an officer. Even if it is an officer, witnesses are a good thing. Of course you need to slow to at least the speed limit and get in the right lane. Something tells me this officer has been dreaming about performing the PIT maneuver on someone.

[Demovictory9]

3. crazy! its not like she just robbed a bank

[lark]

4. Fire his potential baby killing ass.

RW should totally be up in arms about this, but bet you they don't care one bit.

Edit - fixed typo

[JuJuChen]

5. Every lawyer within 5 miles smelt that