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Police execute PIT maneuver to stop chase

Police utilized a precision immobilization technique to stop a vehicle fleeing a traffic stop in the early morning of Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Washington Township, according to state police.

Matthew Newell Ford, 39, of Brady Township, was charged Thursday, Nov. 12, with one felony count each of fleeing police, child endangerment and DUI; and one misdemeanor count each of reckless endangerment, driving with a suspended license and being a habitual offender following the alleged chase.

Police said they attempted a traffic stop on Ford’s vehicle around 1:20 a.m. near the intersection of Fairview and Bruin roads when Ford failed to stop. Police engaged in a pursuit and said Ford fled at unsafe speeds and crossed the center lane and fog lines multiple times, among other offenses, during the pursuit.

Police executed a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, to stop the vehicle, according to reports. The maneuver involves the pursuing police vehicle contacting the rear of the fleeing vehicle to turn it around and force it to stop.

Police said Ford showed signs of impairment and an 8-year-old child was found inside the vehicle.

Ford is being held in Butler County Prison on $250,000 bail.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 24 before District Judge Lewis Stoughton.

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