Colorado– A device invented by a former roofing contractor is making waves in law enforcement, helping officers bring dangerous pursuits to a safe end. Known as the “Grappler,” this innovative tool was created by Leonard Stock, who spent 30 years in the roofing industry before transitioning into a rather unlikely field of invention.
The idea for the Grappler struck Stock after watching a particularly intense police chase on TV. “I was watching the pursuit shows and saw an especially rough pursuit. That night, I went to sleep and suddenly woke up with this image of a strap going around a tire,” Stock explained. Despite his long career in roofing, Stock turned his vision into reality, founding Grappler Police Bumper.
Now, around 50 law enforcement agencies across the country use the Grappler, with over 600 successful deployments or “grapples” reported so far. In Colorado alone, the State Patrol has outfitted 26 of its vehicles with the Grappler since August 2021, successfully ending 72 chases without a single injury.
CSP Captain Michael Ryan, commander of the BATTLE Program, praised the device, stating, “The Grappler is a tool that has proven exceptionally effective in maximizing safety during suspect apprehensions.”
While originally designed for apprehending fleeing criminal suspects, the Grappler has shown versatility in other situations. Stock mentioned cases involving Silver Alerts, where drivers with dementia were speeding through intersections dangerously. In these instances, officers were able to safely stop the vehicles using the Grappler, preventing potential accidents.
The safety benefits for officers are also significant. “Compared to PIT maneuvers or deploying tire spikes, which can put officers in harm’s way, the Grappler offers a safer alternative,” Stock said.
Find out more about the Grappler
