On March 14, 2026, deputies in Tampa safely ended a high-speed chase using a Grappler Police Bumper, a device designed to immobilize fleeing vehicles. The pursuit began around 7:25 p.m. near West Waters Avenue after officers attempted to stop 38-year-old Danny Wilson III over a child support warrant and a stop sign violation. Wilson sped off, weaving through traffic, before a deputy deployed the Grappler, which entangled his tire and tethered it to the patrol car, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop.

Wilson now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault on officers, fleeing at high speed, and drug possession. Bodycam footage captured the tense moments, with a passenger shouting, “I don’t have a gun,” and Wilson questioning, “What did I do?” Officials praised the Grappler for preventing harm to bystanders and officers.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the device allows for safe vehicle immobilization, reducing pursuit-related injuries by 65–80% compared to traditional tactics like PIT maneuvers, according to National Institute of Justice data. Deputies credited the Grappler for bringing the chase to a swift conclusion without incident.

The incident highlights the effectiveness of modern pursuit mitigation technology in maintaining public safety. By using the Grappler, officers successfully neutralized a dangerous situation while minimizing risk to the community.