Sam Dutcher, an 18-year-old who had recently graduated high school and was studying auto mechanics, found himself in a terrifying situation when his Honda Pilot’s accelerator got stuck while he was driving alone on September 17th, 2024. Despite his attempts to slow down the vehicle by using the brakes and shifting gears, the SUV kept accelerating, eventually reaching speeds of 120 mph (193 kph). With the help of his mother, Catherine Dutcher, who made a 911 call to Cass County police, authorities were alerted to the situation and began working on a plan to stop the runaway vehicle.
As the Honda continued to speed into Minnesota, Clay County Deputy Zach Johnson reached out to Dutcher over the phone in an effort to assist him. Dash camera footage showed Johnson trying to guide Dutcher through various solutions, but nothing seemed to work. Meanwhile, Catherine Dutcher was filled with worry as she waited for updates on her son’s situation. She feared for his safety as law enforcement tried to figure out how to intercept the speeding SUV before it reached a dangerous intersection about four miles ahead.
Minnesota Trooper Zach Gruver, with his Dodge Charger, eventually caught up with the Honda as it approached the town of Hitterdal, Minnesota. With the imminent risk of the highway coming to an end at a T-intersection, law enforcement came up with a plan on the spot: Dutcher was instructed to crash into the back of Gruver’s squad car in order to slow down the vehicles. The crash mitigation system in the Honda helped ease the impact, allowing both vehicles to gradually come to a stop. Gruver, a seasoned trooper, commended Dutcher for his composure and ability to handle the intense pressure of the situation.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, both Sam Dutcher and Trooper Zach Gruver emerged from the incident unharmed. The quick thinking and coordinated efforts of law enforcement, as well as Dutcher’s ability to follow instructions under extreme circumstances, ultimately prevented a potential disaster. Authorities suspect that the SUV’s computer malfunctioned, causing the accelerator to become stuck. The Dutcher family was advised to take the vehicle to a dealership for inspection to determine the cause of the malfunction. Honda, the vehicle manufacturer, confirmed that they would investigate the incident further once an inspection was conducted.
The remarkable story of how a young driver managed to navigate a runaway vehicle at high speeds and the heroic actions of law enforcement in averting a crisis have garnered attention and praise. Both Sam Dutcher and Trooper Zach Gruver have been commended for their quick thinking and courage during the incident. The heart-stopping ordeal serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of technology and the importance of remaining calm and focused in emergency situations. As the investigation into the malfunction continues, the Dutcher family has expressed gratitude for the support and efforts of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of their son and preventing a potential tragedy on that fateful evening in September.
