Video: SWAT Team Rips Apart 18-Wheeler, Extricates Driver After Chase

Wild video shows Houston SWAT officers using a bulletproof digger known as “The Rook” to tear apart an 18-wheeler’s cabin after the driver led them on an hours-long car chase.

Traffic on I-10 was brought to a standstill for more than three hours on Wednesday after the truck’s driver, identified as Trinidad Cutshall, apparently brought his rig to a stop in the middle of the highway. When officers arrived and approached the truck, Cutshall allegedly drove away, leading them on a slow pursuit.

Eventually, officers deployed spike strips which blew out the 18-wheeler’s tires and brought Cutshall to a halt. He remained in the cabin for several hours, though, revving the engine and ignoring officer’s requests to comply. According to the local Harris County Sheriff’s Office, via ABC13, they employed crisis negotiators and attempted verbal commands before deploying tear gas and “less lethal munitions” into the cabin.

After none of these methods proved fruitful, SWAT members were called in. They blocked any possible escape route using bulletproof caravans, and brought in The Rook to rip the doors from the 18-wheeler. In footage, officers can be seen lobbing a smoke grenade into the cabin before The Rook is brought in. After smashing the back window, it slowly rips away the doors. K9’s and officers then rush the cab, pulling Cutshall out onto the freeway.

According to officials, the suspect was experiencing some level of “impairment” at the time. Officers found no weapons while searching Cutshall’s vehicle, nor any cargo being towed in the trailer. The Daily Mail reported that Cutshall was previously found guilty of another incident where he led law enforcement on an extended chase.

Cutshall is being charged with felony evasion. It’s unclear when he will appear in court.