SPLENDORA, Texas – A high-speed pursuit in Splendora ended safely after police used new vehicle-stopping technology to disable a car that was carrying multiple passengers, including children.
Officials say the incident began on Saturday night when the Splendora Police Department’s Criminal Interdiction Unit attempted to stop a vehicle traveling approximately 90 mph in a 65-mph zone.
Instead of stopping, police say the driver accelerated, initiating a pursuit. Officers deployed the department’s recently implemented Grappler Police Bumper when conditions were deemed safe.
“The Grappler gives our officers a safer way to end dangerous pursuits,” said Splendora Police Chief Wally Wieghat. “This technology helped prevent a potentially tragic outcome by protecting our officers, the occupants inside the vehicle, and the innocent motorists traveling our roadways.”
The Grappler system uses a high-strength tethered net to entangle a fleeing vehicle’s rear tire, allowing officers to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop while reducing collision risks.
After the vehicle was stopped, the driver refused to exit and continued attempting to accelerate, though the disabled vehicle couldn’t move. Officers approached after issuing multiple commands and removed the driver, who became combative. Police used a taser to subdue the suspect.
Other occupants, including several children, complied with officers’ commands and safely exited the vehicle.
“The fact that children were inside the vehicle makes this incident especially troubling,” Wieghat said. “Our officers train for moments like this so that even under dangerous circumstances, lives — especially the lives of children — are protected.”
The driver faces multiple charges, including felony evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is handling the case.