SPLENDORA, Texas – A small police department northeast of Houston is pioneering technology that could revolutionize how law enforcement ends dangerous high-speed pursuits, potentially saving lives across the region.
The Splendora Police Department recently became one of the first agencies in the Houston area to deploy the “Grappler,” a $10,000 device that allows police cruisers to safely stop fleeing vehicles by entangling their rear wheels in a heavy-duty net.
“We get quite a few pursuits originated by our own agency and a lot of pursuits from other agencies that come through our city,” said Splendora Police Chief Wally Wieghat, who has led the department for 10 years. “With cars now capable of reaching speeds up to 130 miles per hour, these situations have become increasingly dangerous.”…