PHOENIX – In classic Batman-style, an Arizona trooper with the “Grappler” brought a high-speed chase to an abrupt end on the Loop 202 Santan Freeway late last month.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) released the dashcam video this week of Trooper Norman Hupp, who used the “Grappler” to nab a driver on June 28.
On Sunday, June 28, 2020, 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 Hupp drove to the rear of the suspect’s vehicle and utilized his SUV’s pursuit immobilization device.
According to AZDPS, “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.”
The suspect was ultimately arrested for unlawful flight from law enforcement and driving under the influence.