A teenager in Minnesota was recently saved by a crash after his car malfunctioned, causing him to accelerate to speeds of more than 100 mph. Sam Dutcher was driving his 18-year-old Honda Pilot when it suddenly began to accelerate uncontrollably, with the brake pedal not working and Dutcher unable to shift the car into neutral. Despite trying to slow down the vehicle, it continued to speed down a road in the Minnesota countryside, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. The incident took place in September, when Dutcher was on his way to his family’s home near West Fargo, North Dakota.
Dutcher, who had recently graduated from high school and was studying auto mechanics, faced a critical decision on how to handle the situation as his car continued to speed out of control. He was able to communicate some of the problem to his mother, who called 911 while he was driving. The SUV had previously been in the shop due to issues with the accelerator sticking, and authorities believe that the vehicle’s computer may have malfunctioned. A spokesperson for Honda mentioned that the family should have taken the vehicle to a dealership for further inspection. As Dutcher continued on the road, law enforcement caught up with him near Hitterdal, Minnesota, about 30 miles from where the trouble began.
Minnesota State Trooper Zach Gruver sped ahead to clear traffic as the Honda continued to race through town at high speeds, captured on Gruver’s dashcam. With a highway ending at a T-intersection just four miles ahead, law enforcement quickly came up with a plan to bring the vehicle to a stop. Dutcher was instructed to collide with the rear of Gruver’s squad car while both vehicles were still in motion. The crash mitigation system in the Honda activated upon collision, helping to soften the impact as the car was traveling around 50 mph. Gruver was able to safely bring both vehicles to a gradual stop and prevent a potentially hazardous situation.
Gruver, who is 30 years old and expecting his first child, commended Dutcher for his ability to control the runaway vehicle at such extreme speeds. The plan to have the car crash into the squad car was a last-minute decision to prevent catastrophe as the Honda sped towards a dangerous intersection. The incident highlights the quick thinking and coordination of law enforcement in a high-stakes situation, resulting in a successful outcome for Dutcher and those involved. Dutcher’s quick actions and ability to stay calm under pressure played a crucial role in the successful resolution of the situation, preventing any injuries or damage that could have occurred due to the malfunctioning vehicle.
