Shirtless Wrong-Way Driver Stopped After She Nearly Hit A Police Car in Tampa

A 24-year-old woman in Tampa got arrested for drunk driving after she drove the wrong way on the interstate and sideswiped a cop car. She tried to claim her husband was driving . . . but he wasn't even in the car.

Late-Night Danger on the Interstate

Tampa police say a wrong-way driver on Interstate 4 put lives at risk early Saturday morning after refusing to stop for officers and nearly colliding with a marked patrol car. The incident happened just after 2:30 a.m. when dispatchers received a call about a vehicle traveling the wrong way in the eastbound lanes of I-4.

Video Below:

Refusal to Stop and Collision with Police Car

According to Tampa police, Beall ignored officers’ attempts to pull her over and continued driving the wrong way. Dash camera footage shows the Camry sideswiping a police car before continuing down the interstate. With the situation escalating, Tampa police requested assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to force the Camry to stop, with both agencies working together to box in the vehicle and prevent further danger. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw praised the quick coordination, saying the teamwork likely prevented serious or even deadly injuries.

Driver Appears Confused During Arrest

Body camera video captured Beall appearing confused about the situation. At one point, she told officers her husband had been the one driving, despite being the only person inside the vehicle. Officers reported that she admitted to drinking at two bars earlier in the night, consuming a full drink at each stop.

Beall failed a field sobriety test, and her breath alcohol content was measured at .199 and .202—more than double the legal limit of .08.

Female Drunk Driver Sobriety Test (Tampa Police)

Facing Serious Charges

Beall was arrested and taken to Orient Road Jail. She faces charges of DUI, aggravated fleeing to elude, and fleeing to elude at high speed.

Police Chief Bercaw reminded the public that safe alternatives to drinking and driving are always available, including ride-sharing services, taxis, and designated drivers. He emphasized that the decision to drive under the influence is never worth the risk to others on the road.

Get our free mobile app