Innovative 'Grappler' Tool Brings Fleeing Suspect to a Stop: Broken Arrow Officer Describes the Process in New Video

The Broken Arrow Police Department released video on Wednesday of one of its officers ending a chase with a newer piece of technology called a 'grappler.

In an episode of BAPD On Air, Officer Mike Golden described an incident that took place in March after a man reportedly threatened a Tulsa food truck owner with a gun near East 68th Street and then took off.

Related Story: Suspect in Custody, Accused of Threatening Food Truck Worker with Gun

Tulsa Police pursued the suspect into Broken Arrow and asked BAPD for assistance.

"Luckily, our chief happened to be in the right place at the right time," said Golden.

Golden was able to quickly coordinate with TPD and get behind the suspect to utilize the grappler.

The grappler is a net-like tool mounted to the front of a patrol car that can snare the back tire of a fleeing vehicle, jam it, and then allow the officer to stop the car with an attached tether.

"I rolled up underneath his tire and was able to slow him down and bring him to a safe stop," said Golden.

Dashcam video from a TPD officer captured the moment:

Currently, only one BAPD vehicle is equipped with the grappler. This appears to be the first successful use of the tool in the state of Oklahoma.

What Happened To The Driver?

The driver, Reginald Fulsom, was taken into custody after a brief standoff during which officers used pepper balls.

He was later charged with:

1. Endangering others while eluding a police officer
2. Possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony
3. Running a roadblock
4. Leaving the scene of a collision involving property damage
5. Failure to carry the insurance/security verification form
6. Obstructing an officer
7. Feloniously pointing a firearm

His next hearing is Friday, April 25.