Southern Indiana man arrested after troopers use PIT maneuvers to end pursuit

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Clark County man is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading officers on a brief police pursuit Saturday that ended with a PIT maneuver.

According to a release from Indiana State Police, a state trooper attempted to stop a pickup truck shortly after midnight Saturday in Jeffersonville, Indiana, after observing multiple traffic violations.

The driver — later identified as 33-year-old Victor Diaz Jr. — initially stopped at a red light at 10th and Spring streets, but then accelerated and fled toward the Interstate 65 southbound entrance ramp, police said.

As the pursuit continued, a trooper executed a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver, which caused the truck to spin off the right side of the ramp. Diaz regained control and headed down Spring Street against the traffic flow, almost hitting multiple cars and a Jeffersonville patrol vehicle, according to the release.

Troopers followed the vehicle onto Court Avenue, where a second PIT maneuver was used. Police said troopers then blocked the truck and arrested Diaz.

Diaz faces preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, criminal recklessness with a vehicle, operating while intoxicated endangerment, criminal mischief and reckless driving.

He was evaluated at a nearby hospital and then transported to Clark County Jail, where he remains in custody.