In a late-night pursuit that could have easily spelled disaster, Tampa Police and the Florida Highway Patrol put an end to a wrong-way drive down Interstate 4. At the wheel, 24-year-old Kristian Beall was arrested and charged with getting behind the wheel under the influence, according to official reports from Tampa Government. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, saw Beall driving a silver Toyota Camry west in the eastbound lane at an estimated speed of 60 MPH.
With a sense of pride in the seamless collaboration between the officers, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw praised the joint efforts that brought Beall's hazardous antics to an end without casualties. "Their seamless collaboration and dedication to public safety allowed them to stop this individual before there were serious, if not fatal, injuries," Bercaw told Tampa Government. After the police intervened, driving the wrong way in the inner eastbound lane, Beall, who was refusing to pull over initially, almost collided with a marked police car.
Despite an attempted tactical maneuver by the FHP, Beall continued to evade capture. Only when Tampa Police executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) did they manage to bring the Camry to a standstill, effectively pinning it with the help of TPD and FHP vehicles. Beall was subjected to a field sobriety test following her erratic flight, which she failed. Measuring in at more than double the legal limit, her breath alcohol content (BrAC) registered at .199 and .202.
Driving under the influence is a choice with no shelter for excuses, emphasized Chief Bercaw, who also highlighted alternatives such as ride-sharing, taxis, or simply electing a sober friend at the wheel. "If you choose to have adult beverages, make the right choice to protect yourself and everyone else on the road," Bercaw added. According to reports by Tampa Government, Beall is now facing charges of DUI with a BrAC over 0.15, Aggravated Fleeing to Elude, and High Speed Fleeing to Elude. Subsequently, she was taken to Orient Road Jail.
