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Police Grappler Tech Shuts Down Car Chase
Published 2 weeks ago
This video, coming from Thurston County Sheriff's Office, in Washington State, shows a sergeant in pursuit of a stolen vehicle. During the chase, the suspect vehicle reached speeds of 100 miles per hour and crossed into the oncoming lane (although somewhat humorously, the driver remembers their turn signal). To end the chase more safely, the sergeant uses his cruiser's bumper-mounted grappler at 01:48. It works by unfolding around and ensnaring the driver's rear tire. It's worth noting that although this system was deemed more safe than a traditional PIT maneuver, the suspect vehicle still nearly strikes a car in the oncoming lane, and smashes through a chain link fence while striking a tree. There's therefore still plenty of room for things to go wrong when a grappler is used. The driver was arrested on an escape warrant for felony assault in addition to charges for hit and run and reckless driving. Upon searching the vehicle, TCSD found methamphetamine and a handgun.