Dashcam footage shows a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 96 that ended when a Grappler device detached the rear axle of a stolen Chevrolet Cruze. An officer deployed the device from a patrol car bumper, ensnaring the suspect's rear tire and pulling the axle from the vehicle as the driver reversed and lurched forward. Scattered debris and a small, quickly extinguished fire temporarily closed westbound I-96. Three occupants were arrested at the scene. Michigan State Police initiated the pursuit after spotting the stolen car in Detroit and pursued it into Livonia. The department has used the Grappler previously to stop fleeing drivers.
The viral video, published by Livonia Police, shows an officer deploying a grappler device, which shoots out from a patrol car's front bumper and ensnares the suspect's rear tire. The tool is designed to end high-speed chases without gunfire or risky maneuvers, but this stop, carried out last Thursday morning, saw the entire rear axle being pulled clean off.
As the fleeing driver tried to reverse and lurch forward, the car's axle pops and rips from the vehicle's frame, scattering debris. The damage reportedly forced the closure of westbound I-96, and police said a small fire broke out but was extinguished quickly. Three occupants were arrested at the scene. The chase began after Michigan State Police spotted the stolen car in Detroit and pursued it into Livonia.
The department has used the Grappler before, including in July to corral a suspected drunk driver who sped away from an attempted stop. Watch above via ABC7.
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