TOWN ‘N’ COUNTRY, FL — Deputies used a Grappler device to stop a reckless driver during a street takeover early Saturday morning, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. (Watch a video of the device being used on the driver below.)
A driver doing donuts and burnouts in active traffic shut down Benjamin Road and Barry Road in the Town ‘N’ Country area just before 1:30 a.m.
When deputies arrived, the driver, 19-year-old Calixto Anaya, fled, nearly hitting pedestrians and driving into oncoming traffic, HCSO said.
Deploying the Grappler, deputies were able to safely stop his vehicle. The device attaches to the rear tire of a vehicle, bringing it to a stop.
Anaya was arrested and charged with reckless driving, felony fleeing to elude, unlawful racing on a highway while engaged in a coordinated street takeover and possession of a controlled substance.
His passenger, a 17-year-old girl, was also arrested for drug possession and carrying a firearm.
While HCSO named the girl, it’s Patch policy not to identify those in the juvenile court system. It’s not known whether the suspect is being charged as an adult or juvenile.
“Street takeovers are dangerous, reckless, and put innocent lives at risk,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Our deputies acted quickly and used the Grappler to safely bring this situation to an end before anyone was seriously hurt. If you choose to put our community in danger, you will be held accountable.”
Watch a video of the Grappler being deployed on Anaya’s vehicle below: