Wild Dashcam Video Shows Minnesota Police Use Device Straight Out Of A Movie

Police officers face countless dangers every time they put on the uniform, and departments across Minnesota are investing in new tools that not only protect their officers, but also keep the public safe.

Police in Minnesota Turn to New Chase-Stopping Device

One of the most dangerous situations for police and the public is a high-speed chase. Every year across the country, thousands of people are injured or even killed in crashes that result from these pursuits. The danger has grown so significant that some departments have decided to stop engaging in them altogether.

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Law enforcement has relied on a handful of tools to try to slow down or stop fleeing suspects. The most common is the spike strip, designed to puncture tires and bring a vehicle to a stop. But now, a Minnesota police department is among the first in the state to test a new option called the Grappler.

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The Grappler in Action in Minnesota

The Eagan Police Department recently deployed the Grappler during a high-speed chase involving a truck towing a U-Haul trailer. The device, mounted on the front of a squad car, launches a heavy-duty net under the rear tire of the fleeing vehicle. The tire quickly winds up the net, locking the wheel in place and forcing the vehicle to stop.

The company behind the Grappler says it has already helped stop more than 600 suspects nationwide. For Eagan police, it proved successful on its very first attempt. A dashcam video shows the dramatic moment the suspect’s vehicle was forced to a halt.

It may be the first time Minnesota officers used it, but it almost certainly won’t be the last. Other departments will likely take notice of the Eagan PD’s success and consider adding this tool to their own arsenals.