Livermore Police Use PIT Maneuver to Stop Suspect Following DUI-Related Collision & Pursuit
LIVERMORE, CA — Police used a tactical driving maneuver to stop a vehicle
deemed a public safety risk, following a suspected DUI-related collision. The
driver Alex S. Baxter, 33, of Livermore, was arrested on November 6.
Officers located a vehicle at 7:06 p.m., which they suspected was being driven
by an intoxicated driver involved in a collision. Baxter reportedly fled when
officers attempted a traffic stop, which prompted a 15-minute pursuit.
During their pursuit, officers determined the fleeing vehicle posed a growing
public safety hazard. Before the situation could potentially escalate any further,
officers utilized special training to terminate this dangerous pursuit.
Police reported deploying a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to
stop Baxter on Isabel Avenue, near Interstate 580. He was placed under arrest
at 7:21 p.m., and booked on suspicion of DUI, pending further review of the
incident.
The PIT maneuver is designed to force a fleeing car into a controlled spin, which
stalls its momentum, allowing officers to contain the vehicle. It involves matching
the fleeing vehicle’s speed, and gently steering the front panel of a police cruiser
against the rear panel of the fleeing vehicle.
In this instance, after the PIT maneuver was successfully deployed, Baxter’s
vehicle came to a stop. Officers took Baxter into custody without further incident,
or reported injuries.
Baxter is familiar with Livermore police. Within the last two years, Baxter has
been has been arrested by Livermore PD multiple times. He has prior arrests on
his record for stalking, loitering on private private, contempt of court, and
resisting an officer.
– by Jim Emerson
