Michigan State Police spotted a stolen second-generation Cruze on I-96 early one morning. Instead of stopping, the driver attempted to evade capture by speeding westbound along the interstate. Livonia police were called in due to their recent acquisition of a grappler device.

The officer successfully deployed the grappler net under the rear tires and axle of the Cruze. Despite this, the suspect made two attempts to accelerate away from the police cruiser. During his second attempt, he reversed before making another forward surge.

This maneuver resulted in severe damage: while the front portion of the car remained intact, the entire rear axle assembly was torn off, including wheels and brakes. The driver’s vehicle was a front-wheel drive model that might have been able to move slowly without its rear axle if it had stopped immediately after being tethered.

Police use grappler devices as an alternative to more dangerous tactics like PIT maneuvers, which can lead to high-speed collisions or spin-outs. However, this incident demonstrates the potential for significant vehicle damage and highlights the importance of driver compliance when such measures are employed.

This incident serves as a reminder of both the benefits and potential drawbacks of using advanced technology like grapplers during high-speed pursuits.

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