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Car chases happen every day in the United States. Police officers prompt motorists to pull over with lights and sirens and some simply refuse. In the case of one Toyota Prius driver, stopping for the police didn’t seem like an option. Instead, the hybrid’s driver reached for an unlikely countermeasure to lose the cops.

A fleeing Toyota Prius driver wanted to give pursuing police the slip on a dark highway– so they pulled out a flashlight

In a viral video, police follow a third-generation Toyota Prius hybrid on a darkened highway. Now, the 2015 Toyota Prius produced just 134 horsepower from its 1.8L four-cylinder mill and electric motor. Pair that with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and its front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform, and performance of any kind isn’t in the conversation. Hardly a getaway car.

However, this Toyota Prius driver wasn’t going to rely on the performance figures of the hybrid hatchback. Instead, they reached for an unlikely countermeasure: a flashlight. In the video, the driver drops the window and hangs their arm out into the evening air. However, they’re not holding a firearm or some other deadly weapon. The lens in the driver’s hand bursts with nighttime sun-like brightness.

The police officer in the video peers into a spectacular light before the driver turns it off. Shortly thereafter, the light disappears and reveals an empty highway. It’s as if the Prius performed its best “Back to the Future” impression and jumped through time.

Now, the video suggests that the wide, cumbersome device in the driver’s hand produced 100,000 lumens. To give you some perspective, many everyday carry (EDC) defensive flashlights produce around 1,000 lumens. These flashlights are enough to disorient an aggressor. If the device was anywhere near 100,000 lumens, it’s more than enough to temporarily blind or disorient a pursuer. 

If it’s a staged event, it’s hilarious. But if it’s not, police might want to mind silly Prius drivers and their escape tactics. After all, it’s not like Toyota’s famed hybrid is going to outrun anyone on motor alone.

Check out a YouTube video of the white Toyota Prius deploying its brilliantly bright countermeasure below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with expertise covering everything from sports cars and electric motorcycles to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC). When he’s not working, you can find Erik on his motorcycle or out for a spirited drive.