A driver was stopped with a stinger by police officers after a chase on the Dolen Highway.

Policists stopped a driver using a stinger on the Dolenjska motorway, near Ivančna Goriča, after pursuing him following reports of reckless driving near Krtina. The incident occurred on September 1, 2026, around 1:12 PM local time. According to the Public Security Directorate (PU) in Ljubljana, the driver failed to heed police signals and continued driving toward Ljubljana, then onto the Dolenjska motorway in the direction of Dol. Despite multiple clear instructions to stop, the driver did not comply and was eventually stopped with the aid of a stinger, a device used to disable vehicles. During the pursuit, the driver collided with several police vehicles, though no one was injured. A female officer sustained minor injuries during the operation. The pursuit began in the Krtina area, where officers were alerted to the reckless driving. The driver initially slowed down but refused to stop upon repeated commands. As the chase moved along the Dolenjska motorway, the situation escalated. At Ivančna Goriča, police deployed the stinger to halt the vehicle. The driver resisted and engaged in a struggle before being subdued. The use of force was necessary due to the perceived threat posed by the driver’s actions. The stinger is a non-lethal tool designed to immobilize vehicles by disrupting their electrical systems, commonly used in traffic enforcement scenarios requiring immediate intervention. Following the arrest, police continue to gather information regarding the circumstances of the incident. This includes assessing the level of danger posed by the driver's behavior and ensuring compliance with official procedures. All findings will be reported to the local state prosecutor’s office responsible for such cases. The operation has raised concerns over road safety and the effectiveness of current measures to address dangerous driving behaviors. Authorities have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar incidents in the future. During the operation, the Dolenjska motorway between Biče and Trebnje in the direction of Novo Mesto was temporarily closed to ensure public safety. Traffic was redirected through alternative routes, causing delays for commuters. Local authorities confirmed that the closure was necessary to manage the risk associated with the pursuit and to protect other road users. Emergency services were on standby throughout the operation to respond to any potential complications. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing traffic regulations and managing high-speed pursuits. While the use of the stinger was deemed appropriate under the circumstances, it has sparked discussions about the balance between public safety and individual rights. Police officials stressed that all actions taken were in accordance with established protocols and aimed at preventing further harm. They also noted that the driver’s refusal to comply with police orders contributed significantly to the escalation of the situation. Further investigation into the driver’s background and previous offenses is underway. The police are reviewing whether there were prior incidents involving this individual that might have warranted additional scrutiny. In addition, they are examining the conditions under which the stinger was deployed to ensure that its use adhered to legal standards. These steps aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the incident and inform future policy decisions related to traffic control and law enforcement practices.