The Brief
- Orange County deputies used a specialized “Grappler” tool to end a high-speed pursuit and arrest two suspects connected to a shooting at the Kingwood Apartments on April 12.
- The primary suspect, Joel Henry, allegedly shot a man in the neck during a dispute, leaving the victim paralyzed on the right side of his body.
- Authorities credited the Grappler’s nylon netting system with safely immobilizing a getaway vehicle.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County authorities utilized a grappler tool during a road pursuit to safely take a mother and daughter, wanted in connection to an Orlando shooting, into custody. A third suspect was arrested in a separate county.
The sheriff’s office said this tool helps “bring dangerous situations to a safer end.”
How a grappler works
The Grappler Police Bumper uses a deployable nylon net attached to a patrol car’s front bumper to snag a suspect’s rear tire, instantly locking the wheel and tethering the two vehicles together. This device allows the law enforcement officer to bring the car to a controlled stop, effectively minimizing incidents in the pursuit, police say.
The Orange County Sheriff’s office called the tool “a safer option for high-risk stops.” …