A suspected drunk driver in Washington state sparked a high-speed pursuit after fleeing a visitors cease, solely to be halted by a deputy’s progressive grappler system.
The Chase Unfolds
On Thursday round 9 p.m., a Thurston County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a visitors cease in Olympia, close to Tacoma, after observing the motive force pace by way of a purple gentle and a number of cease indicators. The suspect fled, driving the incorrect approach towards visitors earlier than merging onto northbound I-5 at 90 mph with out lights.
Grappler Deployment
Dashcam footage captures the deputy catching up and deploying a front-mounted grappler. The system fires a internet and cable that ensnared the suspect’s rear left wheel, inflicting the automobile to spin throughout three lanes, grind towards the freeway barrier—kicking up sparks—and frivolously faucet a semi-trailer earlier than stopping in below 10 seconds.
The deputy radioed, “Good grapple. Good grapple,” confirming the profitable takedown. Police grapplers, adopted extensively since 2020, supply a safer different to conventional PIT maneuvers by concentrating on wheels with out risking rollovers.
Negotiation and Give up
Bodycam video from quarter-hour later reveals deputies with Ok-9 items negotiating for 20 minutes. A barking Ok-9 accompanies the efforts. Authorities then deployed a stingball distraction system—a less-lethal grenade releasing rubber pellets—producing a small explosion and smoke.
The suspect quickly crawled out his window, knelt on the bottom, and surrendered as deputies approached for arrest. He appeared extremely intoxicated with a facial harm.
Costs and Consequence
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders confirmed the suspect faces prices of DUI, reckless driving, and trying to elude. He was booked into the county jail.
