Law enforcement officers in Georgia, Washington, and Wisconsin used a tire-snaring device known as a grappler to stop fleeing vehicles during police chases [1, 2, 3].
These deployments highlight a shift toward mechanical intervention to end high-speed pursuits, reducing the need for dangerous maneuvers like PIT maneuvers or spike strips that can cause vehicles to veer into bystanders.
In Battle Ground, Washington, deputies from the Clark County Sheriff's Office deployed the device during a chase on State Route 503 [2]. One report said a vehicle involved in such a pursuit was traveling at about 100 mph [4].
Similar tactics were used by the Atlanta Police Department in Georgia [1]. In that instance, the driver was accused of destroying police dash-camera equipment in addition to engaging in the chase [1].
In Monon, Wisconsin, the Monon Police Department used the tool to stop an 18-year-old driver [3]. Officials said this incident marked the first successful use of the grappler within the state of Wisconsin [3].
The grappler consists of a heavy-duty net deployed from the front of a police cruiser. Once the net catches the rear tire of a suspect's vehicle, it locks the wheel, forcing the car to slow down and stop quickly.
While the tool is becoming more common in various U.S. jurisdictions, its implementation varies by region. Some departments view it as a primary tool for ending chases, while others are only beginning to integrate the technology into their fleet [1, 3].
“The grappler consists of a heavy-duty net deployed from the front of a police cruiser.”
The adoption of grappler technology represents a tactical move to prioritize officer and public safety over traditional pursuit methods. By physically tethering a vehicle to a police cruiser, departments can neutralize a threat without the unpredictability of high-speed collisions, though the adoption rate remains fragmented across different state and local agencies.
