Missoula Police use Grappler to safely stop suspect vehicle

Missoula Police use Grappler to safely stop suspect vehicle
Missoula Police use Grappler to safely stop suspect vehicle2 / Missoula Police Department

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Missoula Police Department (MPD) successfully used a vehicle Grappler to safely stop a suspect known to be armed and wanted on a $250,000 warrant from Ravalli County.

The incident involved collaboration with the FBI Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, MPD announced.

Officers said the suspect's vehicle was traveling toward downtown Missoula during peak hours, posing a risk to increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

An MPD Corporal deployed the Grappler on Beartracks Bridge, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop before reaching the busy area. No injuries were reported.

The Grappler system, mounted on police vehicles, attaches to the rear axle or tire of a suspect vehicle, allowing officers to immobilize it quickly and safely.

MPD has equipped its supervisor fleet trucks with Grapplers.

Missoula Police use Grappler to safely stop suspect vehicle3 / Missoula Police Department
Missoula Police use Grappler to safely stop suspect vehicle / Missoula Police Department