Additional Coverage:
Teen’s Runaway Vehicle Forces Police Intervention
A North Dakota teenager narrowly escaped death after losing control of his accelerating vehicle. 18-year-old Samuel Dutcher called 911 when his Honda Pilot refused to slow down.
Police Plan Drastic Measure
As Dutcher’s car reached 113 mph, Minnesota State Trooper Zach Gruver got ahead and parked his squad car in its path. Clay County Deputy Zach Johnson then ordered Dutcher to intentionally crash into the squad car.
Intentional Crash Saves Teen’s Life
Dutcher obeyed the order, and his vehicle collided with Gruver’s squad car at high speed. Miraculously, Dutcher emerged uninjured from the crash.
Driver’s Terrifying Ordeal
Dutcher had tried desperately to stop his runaway car before calling 911. He had engaged the emergency brake and shifted into neutral, but nothing worked. He feared for his life and called his mother, who was distraught.
Aftermath
Dutcher is now back at his college as an auto mechanics student. He credits the quick thinking of the police officers for saving his life.