A 15-year-old boy was killed early Sunday morning after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper used a PIT maneuver to stop a speeding vehicle during a chase in Pasco County, sending the car crashing into a tree just outside New Port Richey. The crash occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. near State Route in the New Port Richey area, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A state trooper on patrol initiated the pursuit after encountering the speeding driver. The trooper deployed a PIT maneuver, a law enforcement technique used to end vehicle pursuits by causing the fleeing car to spin out and stop. Instead, the vehicle struck a tree, fatally injuring the 15-year-old boy inside. FHP has not yet released the names of those involved, as the investigation remains ongoing.
The PIT maneuver, short for Pursuit Intervention Technique, is a controversial tactic used by law enforcement agencies across Florida. Critics argue the maneuver carries significant risk of serious injury or death, particularly at high speeds. Supporters say it is sometimes the only way to safely end dangerous pursuits that threaten other drivers and pedestrians on public roads. Pasco County roads see frequent high-speed incidents, and FHP regularly patrols State Route corridors in the region during overnight hours.
FHP is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of the chase and the use of the PIT maneuver. It is standard procedure in Florida for the agency to review all trooper-involved crashes, particularly those resulting in fatalities. The Pasco County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to confirm the official cause of death. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol or review updates from WFLA News Channel 8 as more details become available.
Originally reported by WFLA – Pasco County
Sources: WFLA – Pasco County
