A Florida woman’s desperate attempt to blame her absent husband for her wrong-way drunk driving crash exposed the lengths some will go to avoid accountability for dangerous criminal behavior.
Story Highlights
- Kristian Beall drove wrong way on I-4 with BAC over twice the legal limit
- Police used PIT maneuver to stop fleeing vehicle traveling 60 mph against traffic
- Driver claimed husband was driving despite being alone in vehicle
- Swift police action prevented potential fatal head-on collision
Wrong-Way Driver Stopped by Tactical Maneuver
Tampa Police and Florida Highway Patrol executed a successful PIT maneuver to stop 24-year-old Kristian Beall, who was driving westbound in eastbound lanes of Interstate 4 at approximately 2:30 AM on September 13, 2025. Officers received multiple reports of the wrong-way driver traveling at 60 mph, creating an imminent threat to oncoming traffic. When police attempted to stop the silver Toyota Camry, Beall refused to pull over and nearly collided with a marked patrol car before continuing to flee.
The coordinated response between Tampa Police and FHP demonstrated effective interagency cooperation under extreme pressure. After FHP’s initial tactical stop attempt failed, Tampa Police successfully executed the PIT maneuver, bringing the dangerous pursuit to an end. The swift action likely prevented a catastrophic head-on collision that could have resulted in multiple fatalities on the busy interstate corridor.
Absurd Excuse Falls Apart Under Scrutiny
Following her arrest, Beall attempted to shift blame by claiming her husband had been driving the vehicle during the incident. This fabrication quickly unraveled when officers noted she was the sole occupant of the car throughout the entire pursuit and arrest. Her blood alcohol content measured .199 and .202, more than double Florida’s legal limit of .08, clearly indicating severe impairment that contributed to her poor judgment both behind the wheel and during questioning.
The desperate attempt to avoid responsibility represents a troubling pattern of accountability avoidance that undermines public safety. Field sobriety tests confirmed Beall’s impairment, and bodycam footage documented her presence as the only person in the vehicle. Her false claim wasted valuable police resources and demonstrated a continued disregard for truth and consequences even after endangering countless innocent motorists.
Law Enforcement Response Prevents Tragedy
Chief Lee Bercaw praised officers’ decisive actions and emphasized the serious nature of wrong-way driving incidents, which frequently result in fatal collisions. The professional execution of the PIT maneuver under dangerous conditions showcased proper police training and commitment to public protection. No injuries occurred during the tactical stop, highlighting the skill and restraint exercised by responding officers despite the high-risk situation.
Beall faces multiple serious charges including DUI and aggravated fleeing to elude, reflecting the severity of her actions that endangered numerous lives. The case serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving and the importance of personal responsibility. This incident demonstrates how effective law enforcement response can prevent tragedies when individuals make reckless decisions that threaten community safety.
Sources:
TPD FHP Stop Wrong Way Intoxicated Driver I4
Accused Drunk Driver Behind Bars After Driving Wrong Way I-4
Tampa Police Florida Troopers PIT Maneuver Ends High Speed DUI Wrong Way Chase
