Troopers Use Grappler Device To Safely End Pursuit | Arizona Department of Public Safety
Skip to main content
Arizona Department of Public Safety Logo
Arizona Department of Public Safety
ARIZONA STATE TROOPERS

Main menu

  • Home
  • The Colonel
    • Command Staff
    • Fallen Troopers
    • Organization
      • Office of the Director
      • Agency Support Division
      • Criminal Investigations Division
      • Highway Patrol Division
      • Technical Services Division
  • Services
    • Public Services
      • Public Services Center
        • Claim Personal Property
        • Concealed Weapons & Permits
        • Courts and Traffic Ticket Information
        • File a Commendation
        • Household Goods Enforcement
        • Missing Children Search
        • Sex Offender Compliance
        • Tow Truck Application
      • Public Services Portal
        • Fingerprint Clearance Card
        • Licensing
        • Records Request
    • Enforcement Services
      • Chaplaincy Program
      • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
      • DUI Enforcement
      • GIITEM
      • Impaired Driving
      • Move Over Law
      • Scrap Metal Theft Database
      • Student Transportation
      • WANTED Fugitive Tips
    • Governmental Services
      • ADRS
      • ADOT
      • AFIS
      • Crime Laboratory
        • Simplified Laboratory Reports
        • Quality Assurance
        • Blood Alcohol
        • Toxicology
        • Controlled Substances
        • Latent Prints
        • Firearms/Toolmarks
        • Trace Evidence
        • Questioned Documents
        • DNA Scientific Services
        • Field Services
        • Property and Evidence
      • Crime Victim Services
      • NCJ
      • Tow Program
      • SWIC
  • Department Information
    • Boards & Councils
      • Law Enforcement Merit System Council
      • Retirement Board Meetings
    • Commitments
      • Accessibility
      • Mission Statement
      • Values
    • History
    • Insignia
    • Reports & Publications
      • Budget Request
      • Holiday Enforcement Figures
      • Strategic Plans
    • Request Records
  • Careers
    • Become a Trooper
    • Become a Dispatcher
    • Civilian Careers
    • Benefits
    • DPS Jobs & Descriptions
    • Job Interest Card
    • Job Openings
    • Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
    • Volunteer
    • Selection Guidelines
  • News
    • AZDPS News
    • Digest Blog
    • AZDPS Alerts System
      • Amber Alerts
      • Blue Alerts
      • Silver Alerts
    • Public Announcements
      • Retirement Board Meetings
      • Law Enforcement Merit System Council
        • Decisions
        • Meeting Agendas
    • Public Affairs Unit
  • Safety
    • AZDPS Alert System
    • Safety Messages
      • Aggressive Driving
      • Driver Fatigue
      • Drop House Awareness
      • Freeway Camera & Road Conditions
      • Impaired Driving
      • Motorcycles
      • Move Over Law
      • Precursor Chemicals
      • Safety Corridors
      • Seat Belt Safety
      • Share The Road
      • Weather Safety Tips
    • Task Forces
      • Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force (AVTTF)
      • Arizona WANTED Task Force
    • Special Programs
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Troopers Use Grappler Device To Safely End Pursuit

Subscribe to the Digest Blog

subscribe to Digest Blog

Troopers Use Grappler Device To Safely End Pursuit

On Sunday, June 28, 2020, AZDPS troopers responded to reports of a vehicle driving erratically on State Route 202 near US-60 Superstition Freeway. Troopers located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The suspect failed to yield to the trooper and continued driving recklessly at fluctuating speeds.

 

As the suspect continued westbound, Trooper Norman Hupp drove to the rear of the suspect’s vehicle and utilized his patrol vehicle’s pursuit immobilization device, “the Grappler”. 

 

The Grappler is a netting system which can be deployed from a police vehicle’s front bumper to capture and lock the rear wheel of a suspect vehicle.  During a pursuit, this technological device allows law enforcement to safely bring a suspect’s vehicle to a stop.   

 

In this case, the Grappler was successfully deployed to the suspect vehicle’s left rear tire, locking the wheel and rendering the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle was forced to a stop just west of State Route 101.  The suspect was ultimately arrested for unlawful flight from law enforcement and driving under the influence.

 

This was the first successful deployment of the Grappler for AZDPS, which has Grapplers placed strategically across the state.

 

“The Grappler is cutting-edge technology which makes a tremendous difference for troopers,” said Lt. Col. Jenna Mitchell, Assistant Director of the Highway Patrol Division. “This device positively impacts the safety of troopers, the public, and suspects, helping to end pursuits as safely as possible.”

 

Arizona State Seal
Location Information
Arizona Department of Public Safety
2222 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Find in Google Maps
Phone: 602.223.2000
Map Image

Copyright © Arizona Department of Public Safety – All rights reserved.

  • Contact Us
  • Statewide Policies
  • GOVERNOR'S REGULATORY REVIEW COUNCIL
  • Social Media User Policy
  • Website Accessibility
  • Website Supported by CSU