Police Pursuits You Can't Forget
Some chases start as routine stops that spiral into absolute mayhem; while others are intense from the start. Cars fly down busy highways, suspects pull shocking maneuvers, and law officers use every trick in the book to finally stop them in their tracks. Some end in dramatic arrests, others take an unexpected turn, but all have one thing in common—they’re unforgettable and we just can't look away! Here are 20 of the wildest pursuits ever recorded.
1. The O.J. Simpson Bronco Chase
On June 17, 1994, former NFL star O.J. Simpson was part of a nationally televised low-speed chase in Los Angeles. He failed to surrender to law enforcement after being charged with the murders of his ex-wife and her friend. The ensuing 60-mile pursuit was broadcast live across the nation.
2. The Tank Chase in San Diego
Shawn Nelson, a 35-year-old U.S. Army veteran, stole an M60 Patton tank in 1995. He drove the tank, crushing vehicles and fire hydrants, but the 23-minute rampage ended when the tank became stuck on a concrete barrier. Officers then fatally shot him when he refused to surrender.
3. The Las Vegas Casino Heist
In August 2016, Las Vegas experienced a dramatic event when a robbery suspect led police on a high-speed hunt that culminated on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The incident began when the suspect committed an armed robbery and fired shots. He eventually faced multiple charges.
4. The Swedish Helicopter Heist
In another aerial heist, a group of thieves stole a helicopter in Sweden in 2009. It landed on the roof of a cash depot, and they used explosives to gain access to the facility. They then escaped via the helicopter, eluding the security officers’ efforts to intercept them.
5. The Autopilot Escape
A notable incident occurred on the Autobahn near Bamberg. Police officers attempted to initiate a traffic check on a Tesla Model 3. Despite their efforts, the vehicle continued traveling at approximately 68 mph. Officers later discovered that the driver appeared to be asleep, and the car's Autopilot system was engaged.
6. The Australia Swan River Escape
A tragic incident occurred in Perth, Australia, where two teenage boys drowned after fleeing from police. They were part of a group involved in a major motorcycle accident. Then, they fled on foot by jumping over a fence and heading through a swamp towards the Swan River.
7. The Alabama Inmate Escape
This case attracted significant media attention due to the involvement of a law enforcement officer. It happened when Vicky White helped inmate Casey White (no relation) escape from jail. After 11 days on the run, they were located, but Vicky White passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Escaped inmate Casey White back in Alabama | NewsNation by NewsNation
8. The Oklahoma Tractor Chase
Although all hunts are adrenaline-packed, the unusual nature of this one attracted media coverage. It happened in 2023 when a suspect took off a tractor, and the authorities ran after him through rural areas. Luckily, it was over when the tractor became stuck in a ditch.
9. The Arizona DPS Trooper Chase
On June 19, 2023, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) trooper conducted a routine traffic stop. However, the situation escalated when the driver unexpectedly opened fire, injuring the trooper. The end came near 36th Avenue and Virginia Avenue when officers used lethal force after perceiving an imminent threat.
10. The Texas Border Smuggler Chase
This pursuit took place in 2018 near the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. A suspected smuggler led officers on a high-speed drive using dangerous driving maneuvers. The individual was transporting undocumented immigrants, and eventually, he crashed the vehicle.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Wikimedia
11. The Indiana Biker Chase
Motorbike chases in real life look like they're made in Hollywood. One such example is from 2015. A motorcyclist from Indiana was involved in a high-speed drive while performing dangerous stunts and reaching 100 mph. Nevertheless, the chase ended dramatically when the motorcyclist lost control and crashed.
12. The New York Times Square Pursuit
In May 2017, a driver under the influence plowed through crowds in Times Square, New York City, taking the life of one pedestrian and injuring 22 others. Authorities pursued the suspect, who was eventually stopped and arrested. The chase and its tragic aftermath raised concerns about vehicular attacks in urban areas.
13. The Dallas Corvette Chase
Chevrolet Corvettes are known to reach amazing speeds. This is probably why someone took off with one in 2006 to escape pursuit through the roads of Dallas. However, he eventually crashed into a guardrail, miraculously escaping with minor injuries.
14. The San Andreas-Style Pursuit
Sweden experienced a high-speed chase reminiscent of scenes from “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” in 2019. It lasted 20 minutes and involved a coordinated effort with cars, motorcycles, and a helicopter working together to catch the suspects.
15. The Florida High-Speed Chase with Shots Fired
In 2021, a high-speed chase unfolded in Florida, during which shots were fired. It involved a suspect fleeing from law enforcement for driving a stolen truck, which caused a dangerous situation on the roads. The incident was captured on dash cam footage and ended in a massive crash.
16. The Christopher Dorner Manhunt
Former LAPD officer and U.S. Navy Reserve officer Christopher Dorner was suspected of taking the lives of four people after talking about LAPD corruption. Eventually, he was cornered in a cabin that was set on fire. Dorner passed away due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Los Angeles Police Department on Wikimedia
17. Boston Marathon Attack Suspects Chase
After the Boston Marathon attack, law enforcement forces began chasing the primary suspects. They murdered an MIT officer and seized a car. Tamerlan Tsarnaev was eliminated in a shootout, and his brother Dzhokhar escaped but was later caught.
Aaron "tango" Tang on Wikimedia
18. UPS Truck Chase
This incident started with a jewelry store robbery in Coral Gables, then the suspects hijacked a UPS truck and took the driver hostage. The chase lasted about 23 minutes and was broadcast live on local television. Unfortunately, it ended tragically when the suspects, the hostage, and a bystander were murdered.
19. The Forsyth County Escape
In 2021, Forsyth County experienced a law enforcement hunt when some felons attempted to evade capture. The suspects engaged in dangerous driving, but the officers employed various tactics to apprehend them. They used spike strips and coordinated roadblocks to have them under arrest.
20. Catching the Texas Bank Robber
A Texas bank robbery in 2019 turned into a high-speed chase. After robbing a bank, the suspect fled the scene, but the officers were on his tail. The hunt involved high speeds and evasive maneuvers, with the suspect trying to escape, which he failed.
