On 1/25/2023 at 950pm, the Pennsylvania State Police were in a high-speed pursuit of a stolen Toyota Highlander driven by a wanted fugitive.  Multiple departments assisted as the stolen vehicle raced through several west side towns at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.  The fugitive nearly rammed numerous vehicles, including a police cruiser.  Forty Fort Police Sergeant Anthony SMITH deployed Stop Sticks along Wyoming Avenue which successfully deflated two of the Toyota’s tires.  The State Police were then able to conduct a PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver, safely ending the pursuit near the Forty Fort airport.  The fugitive was taken into custody without injury to the fugitive, officers, or civilians. 

Stop Sticks are the world’s leading tire-deflation device, used to end high-speed pursuits quickly and safely.  They are designed to deflate tires at a safe, controlled rate to avoid a blowout.  Over 400,000 vehicles are equipped with them – including all Forty Fort police vehicles – and over 40,000 documented pursuits world-wide have ended safely through their use.  It is thanks to the support of the borough’s mayor, council, and residents that the Forty Fort Police Department is equipped with such tools, enabling our officers to provide the highest levels of service to the community.