Trending Topics

Watch: Grappler takes off stolen car’s rear axle after suspect tries to flee

Video from Livonia PD shows a cruiser pulling the fleeing car to a stop with the Grappler; the driver attempts to maneuver away, removing the suspect vehicle’s rear axle in the process

LIVONIA, Mich. —Livonia police released dash camera footage showing a recent deployment of a Grappler to bring a high-speed pursuit to a halt, WTOL reported.

The Livonia Police Department, assisting Michigan State Police, used the device to stop astolen vehicle, according to a social media post.

The Grappler works by launching a high-strength net from a pursuing police vehicle onto the rear tire and axle of the suspect’s vehicle. Once entangled, the net locks the tire in place, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop within seconds, police said.

Video shows the suspect driver attempting to escape by rapidly accelerating and reversing, but the Grappler held firm. The force of the maneuvers caused the vehicle’s rear axle to break off, an outcome police noted is not typical when using the device.

Three individuals were arrested at the scene, according to the report. No injuries were reported.

The Livonia Police Department praised the tool for enhancing pursuit safety and minimizing the risks often associated with high-speed pursuit.

Trending
Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez resigned after he and a deputy faced charges of mishandling human remains; other deputies, including his son, were charged in a use of force incident
Video shows the Milwaukee officer ordering the man to exit the truck; he refused and drove away at a high rate of speed as the officer attempted to remove him
Video from Hartford PD shows Steven Jones advancing toward several officers with a knife; now-former officer Joseph Mangano fired multiple shots, fatally wounding Jones
Bystander video shows the woman wriggling out of a half-open Muskegon Heights Police cruiser window while handcuffed before running away; she was arrested days later
Company News
One of the largest law enforcement agencies in the US selects Cognyte to support field operations, displacing incumbent provider

Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com