Home / Crime and Justice / Grappler Ends Drunk Driver's High-Speed Chase
Grappler Ends Drunk Driver's High-Speed Chase
16 Feb
Summary
- A police grappler stopped a drunk driver's vehicle in Washington.
- The suspect fled during a traffic stop in Olympia before the chase.
- A stingball device was used to facilitate the suspect's surrender.
An alleged drunk driver led law enforcement on a high-speed chase in Olympia, Washington, on Thursday evening. The pursuit began after a deputy initiated a traffic stop, which the driver fled. A Thurston County Sheriff's deputy then utilized a police grappler, a device mounted on the patrol vehicle that ensnares a fleeing car's wheels.
The grappler successfully hooked the suspect's rear left wheel, causing the vehicle to spin across multiple lanes of I-5 before coming to a stop near a highway barrier. The incident, from the initial grapple to the vehicle's immobilization, reportedly took less than 10 seconds.
Following the vehicle's stop, deputies spent approximately 20 minutes attempting to negotiate with the suspect to exit his car, deploying K-9 units to assist. During the standoff, a stingball distractionary device, described as a less-lethal grenade, was used, emitting smoke and rubber pellets. Shortly after, the suspect surrendered and was apprehended.
The driver, who appeared intoxicated and had a facial injury, has been charged with DUI, reckless driving, and attempting to elude. The sheriff's office reported the initial stop was initiated due to the suspect disregarding traffic signals and signs at high speed.
