Officer Uses ‘Batman-Like Gadget’ To End Police Pursuit (Grapple Device)

In a strong demonstration of innovation and public safety commitment, the Parma Police Department successfully utilized a cutting-edge vehicle restraint tool — known as the Grappler Police Bumper — to bring a vehicle pursuit to a safe and controlled conclusion on Sunday afternoon.

The event began shortly after 4:00 p.m., when officers from the Parma Heights Police Department initiated a traffic stop involving a Toyota Camry. When the vehicle did not come to a full stop as directed, a controlled pursuit was initiated. As the situation continued, officers from the Parma Police Department joined the effort to assist their neighboring agency and maintain public safety in the area.

The pursuit moved through the intersection of Chevrolet Boulevard and Brookpark Road in Parma, a busy corridor requiring precise coordination and caution. A Parma cruiser specially equipped with the Grappler tool moved into position behind the Camry. At the appropriate moment, the officer deployed the Grappler, which safely secured the rear driver’s side tire of the vehicle, bringing it to a smooth stop without incident.

Dashcam video later released by the department shows the skilled precision of the maneuver, highlighting both the effectiveness of the device and the professionalism of the officers involved.

Parma Police were among the first departments in the state to implement the Grappler, a tool designed to assist in safely ending vehicle pursuits with minimal risk to the public, officers, and individuals in the vehicle. The system deploys a heavy-duty tether from the front bumper of a police cruiser to the rear wheel of a target vehicle, causing it to slow and come to a controlled stop.

Chief Joseph Bobak of the Parma Police Department praised the coordinated response: “This was an excellent example of teamwork and preparedness. The Grappler is one of several tools we’ve invested in to increase safety for everyone involved, and it worked exactly as intended.”

No injuries were reported, and there was no damage to surrounding property.

The Parma Police Department continues to lead in proactive safety solutions, demonstrating a balanced approach to modern policing with a focus on innovation, responsibility, and community trust.

The full video is visible here on the Police Central YouTube Channel. Article by www.PoliceCentral.org