By Becca Robbins
The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash.
CLARK COUNTY, Wash. — The Clark County Sheriff’s Office has a new tool that it says will help deputies more safely stop vehicles they’re pursuing.
The sheriff’s office outfitted 15 patrol vehicles with Grappler Police Bumpers, devices that deploy spring-loaded nylon nets to wrap around a vehicle’s axles and disable a front wheel. The webbing brings the vehicle to a stop within seconds, according to an agency news release.
The devices are safer for the community, the person being pursued and the deputy during what can be dangerous high-speed pursuits, sheriff’s office spokesman Sgt. Chris Skidmore said.
“This innovative vehicle immobilization device will significantly enhance our department’s ability to safely and effectively bring high-speed pursuits to a swift and controlled stop,” the news release states.
The sheriff’s office said it is the first agency in Southwest Washington to use the grapplers.
Four deputies have been trained to use the devices, and they will start training other deputies next month. The agency plans to outfit 25 patrol cars with the grapplers.
Deputies have used them on calls twice so far, Skidmore said.
About 1 a.m. Thursday , Vancouver police investigated a suspicious vehicle at the 7-Eleven at 8214 N.E. Vancouver Mall Loop . The occupants of the car were unconscious with drug paraphernalia on their laps. Officers placed spike strips in front of the car, but the occupants awoke and sped away, the sheriff’s office news release states.
A nearby sheriff’s sergeant heard the radio traffic and saw the vehicle jump a curb. The car continued driving toward Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard , despite multiple flat tires, the sheriff’s office said.
The sergeant had recently completed the grappler training and deployed the device, bringing the vehicle to a stop. The driver ran from the car, but Vancouver police officers quickly detained the person, according to the news release.
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