Move over spike strips, there’s a new sheriff in town, and its name is the Grappler. This isn’t some WWE superstar, it’s the latest weapon in the Colorado State Patrol’s arsenal against high-speed chases and auto theft.
Forget screeching tires and dodging civilians – the Grappler is all about controlled takedowns, like a robo-cowboy roping in a rogue steer. Mounted on the front of a patrol car, this bad boy deploys a heavy-duty nylon net that snags the rear tire of a fleeing vehicle, bringing it to a safe stop.
75 Takedowns and Counting
Since its debut in August 2021, the Grappler has racked up a whopping 75 successful deployments. That’s 75 chases avoided, 75 suspects apprehended (mostly without incident!), and countless lives potentially saved.
This week, the Colorado State Patrol released footage showing exactly how the Grappler works, and let’s just say it’s pretty darn impressive. We’re talking real-life crime-fighting gadgets, folks!
Nabbed! Three Stooges of Stolen Cars Get Grappled
The Patrol even shared dashcam footage of three sweet takedowns in Colorado Springs. The first one involved a stolen 2001 Jeep Wrangler. The Grappler did its job, the driver got three years in the slammer for theft (with a side of previous offenses), and everyone went home safe.
In another case, a stolen 2016 Hyundai Accent got tangled in the Grappler’s web. The suspect was initially charged with theft, but the DA threw the case out later.
Finally, a 2011 Mitsubishi Galant, stolen from Pueblo, met its match with the Grappler. This slick maneuver prevented a chase, and the car thief earned himself a 15-month prison stay for his troubles.
Colorado Cracks Down on Car Thefts
While Colorado held the dubious honor of being the worst state for auto thefts in 2021, things are looking up. The state patrol reports a significant downward trend that’s continued into 2024. They credit this success to a combination of factors, including the Grappler and partnerships with local police forces through task forces like BATTLE and C-MATT.
So, if you’re thinking about joyriding in Colorado, think again. The future of car chases is looking net-centric, and the fuzz might just have you hogtied before you even hit the gas.
