
A reckless wrong-way driver with a blood alcohol level over twice the legal limit was stopped on Interstate 4 by decisive police action, showcasing the vital importance of strong law enforcement.
Story Snapshot
- Tampa Police and Florida Highway Patrol used a PIT maneuver to halt a dangerous DUI suspect on I-4 before tragedy struck.
- The driver, Kristian Beall, recorded a BAC more than double the legal limit and attempted to blame her husband, but evidence proved otherwise.
- Rapid, coordinated law enforcement response prevented a potential catastrophe and reinforced the need for tough DUI enforcement.
- Bodycam and dashcam footage bring transparency, countering anti-police narratives and affirming the importance of strong policing for community safety.
Decisive Law Enforcement Stops a Major Threat on Tampa’s Interstate 4
On September 13, 2025, Tampa Police and the Florida Highway Patrol responded after reports of a car speeding the wrong way on Interstate 4, a major artery in Tampa that has seen its share of tragic DUI incidents. Officers quickly identified the silver Toyota Camry, driven by 24-year-old Kristian Beall, traveling west in the eastbound lanes at nearly 60 miles per hour. Despite attempts to stop her, Beall refused to yield, nearly colliding with a police vehicle and continuing her flight, further endangering countless innocent motorists. Law enforcement’s rapid response, including the execution of a PIT maneuver, was instrumental in neutralizing an imminent threat that could have resulted in fatalities.
Florida female going wrong way on interstate claims husband was driving. Then cops find rather large hole in her story. https://t.co/iSnGMNzMbR pic.twitter.com/t5O4BZP1il
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 22, 2025
After officers brought Beall’s vehicle to a halt and boxed it in, they conducted a field sobriety test. The results were staggering: Beall’s blood alcohol content measured .199 and .202—well above the legal threshold for impairment. Rather than take responsibility, Beall attempted to blame her husband for the incident, but the evidence, including bodycam and dashcam footage, contradicted her story. This situation underscores why robust, fact-driven police work remains essential for public safety, especially when impaired drivers threaten the lives of law-abiding citizens. The aftermath was clear-cut: she was arrested on the scene for DUI and multiple fleeing offenses, with immediate removal from the road preventing a potential tragedy.
Collaborative Policing in Action
This case exemplifies how effective inter-agency cooperation between local police and state troopers can protect families from the dangerous consequences of impaired driving. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw praised the officers’ quick thinking and highlighted the importance of alternatives like ride-sharing for those who might otherwise endanger others. The incident occurred during the early morning hours, a period often plagued by DUI cases, reflecting an environment where vigilant enforcement saves lives. The use of the PIT maneuver, a tactic proven to safely end high-risk pursuits, stands as a testament to the professionalism and training of law enforcement—defending the community and upholding the rule of law.
Community Impact and the Case for Strong DUI Enforcement
The immediate removal of an intoxicated, reckless driver from one of Florida’s busiest highways prevented potential collisions and saved lives. In the short term, the arrest sent a clear message about the consequences of impaired driving, while the long-term impact reinforces law enforcement’s commitment to protecting families and deterring future offenders. The public release of video evidence also raises community awareness and trust in law enforcement at a time when such institutions face unprecedented scrutiny and attacks on their legitimacy. Tampa motorists, residents, and law enforcement agencies all benefit when decisive action is taken to enforce the law and safeguard the roads.
This high-profile incident may prompt renewed calls for stricter DUI penalties, expanded use of safe pursuit tactics like the PIT maneuver, and further investment in officer training and inter-agency coordination. As Florida continues to grapple with the dangers of impaired driving, cases like this serve as a stark reminder that public safety depends on empowering police to act decisively. Conservative communities, in particular, recognize the importance of accountability, transparency, and strong law enforcement in defending constitutional rights and preserving the safety and values of everyday Americans.
Sources:
TPD & FHP Stop Wrong Way Intoxicated Driver on I4
Accused drunk driver behind bars after driving wrong way I-4 (Fox 13)
Tampa police, Florida troopers PIT maneuver wrong-way driver (AOL)