In May 1988, Berea Ohio Police Department officer, Robert “Bob” Surgenor, recorded the very first police chase ever to be recorded in the world from beginning to end. Bob was involved in a high-speed pursuit where he chased three robbery suspects in a stolen car. Here is the complete footage of the chase.
The chase didn’t start off at breakneck speeds; initially, the three suspects took their time in the stolen car. However, as the pursuit continued, their speed increased, and the close calls began piling up. By the time they hit the highway, their speed had surged to 120 mph. While this might not seem extremely fast today, it was quite impressive for vehicles of 1988.
What stands out about this chase is the method used to bring the fleeing car to a stop. Instead of employing PIT maneuvers or Stop Sticks, the police set up a roadblock on the highway. The suspects rammed one of the police cars to break through, but the damaged vehicle couldn’t go much further and they were quickly surrounded by law enforcement.
Unfortunately, Bob Surgenor passed away on December 16, 2018. He was recognized for his pioneering work with dashcams, a tool that has not only provided entertainment online but also played a crucial role in defending officers against false accusations and ensuring justice for victims of misconduct.
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