Texas DPS uses Grappler System to prevent pursuits

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Pursuits along Texas highways can become dangerous for everyone involved. In border communities, they are a common sight. Many have resulted in serious crashes and even death.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has been using technology known as the Grappler System to help prevent and stop pursuits altogether for a few years now.

"Let violators know you're not going to get away,” Sergeant Eliot Torres, the spokesperson for safety, education and the public education office for the DPS West Texas region, said.

The Grappler System uses a tool that is mounted to the front of certain Texas DPS units. Authorities stop a fleeing vehicle by dropping a net under the spinning tire and tangling it. Then, the target is able to come to a complete stop thanks to a tether attached to the fleeing vehicle and the DPS unit.

ABC-7’s Rosemary Garcia got a glimpse into how the technology works and how it has benefited state authorities stationed locally.

Watch Rosemary's special report Thursday at 6 p.m. only on ABC-7.