[Fresh Wind]

If the vehicle was running so badly that it was backfiring, it doesn’t seem likely that it would be able to keep ahead of modern, presumably well-maintained cop cars for 22 miles.

[Resolute Conservative]

ROE for police is to basically follow and not be proactive in stopping a pursuit until all the T’s are crossed.

[Impala64ssa]

If the vehicle was running so badly that it was backfiring, it doesn’t seem likely that it would be able to keep ahead of modern, presumably well-maintained cop cars for 22 miles.
Especially if that car had the old 229 CI V-6, or the early 305 (5liter) V8 with the "soft" camshaft. They couldn't get out of their own way, let alone outrun a late model cop car.