Tampa, FL – Deputies used a Grappler device to stop a fleeing driver Saturday night, ending a high-speed attempt to evade arrest and preventing potential roadway danger, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
According to HCSO, the incident began around 7:25 p.m. Saturday near West Waters Avenue and Redbraes Drive when a deputy stopped a green Toyota sedan for failing to come to a complete stop. During the stop, deputies identified the driver as Danny Wilson III, 38, who allegedly had an out-of-county warrant tied to unpaid child support.
When deputies attempted to take him into custody, Wilson allegedly fled the scene, weaving through traffic at high speed before turning south onto Sheldon Road.
Authorities said a deputy deployed a Grappler device, which attaches to a vehicle’s rear tire to safely bring it to a stop. Even after deployment, Wilson allegedly continued attempting to escape, driving over a grass median near Beacon Lakes Drive in an effort to turn around.
Deputies maintained control of the situation, and the vehicle was ultimately immobilized. Wilson was taken into custody without reported injuries.
He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, fleeing to elude at high speed, resisting an officer without violence, possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also held on the outstanding warrant.
The quick use of the Grappler device helped prevent further risk to nearby drivers, particularly along busy evening commuter routes in the area.
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