Dashcam: Mich. Police's Grappler Yanks Out Axle to Stop Fleeing Car

In order to stop a suspect in a stolen vehicle, Livonia police deployed a grappler, which snagged the car's rear axle and ripped it off as the suspect reversed and accelerated.

Sept. 3, 2025

2 min read

What to know

Assisting Michigan State Police, Livonia police deployed a grappler to stop a stolen vehicle on Interstate 96 last month.
The driver repeatedly tried to flee by reversing and accelerating, causing the rear axle to rip off and totaling the vehicle once the grappler hooked on.
A 27-year-old man and two female passengers were arrested, and no injuries were reported.

By Kayla Tucker

Source mlive.com

LIVONIA, MI—A vehicle was totaled Thursday after the driver attempted to flee multiple times while the car was disabled.

Michigan State Police requested assistance Thursday, Aug. 28, from the local Livonia Police Department to stop a stolen vehicle being driven on west I-96 near Farmington Road in Livonia.

Livonia officers used a grappler device, a high-strength net that hooked onto the vehicle’s rear tire and axle and stopped the car from moving.

After being stopped, the driver repeatedly attempted to break free by reversing and accelerating forward, according to a press release posted on X.

The grappler “held firm,” police stated, and the rear axle ripped off, totaling the vehicle.

“This is not typical with grappler deployments and was solely the result of the driver’s reckless attempts to escape,” the press release stated.

No injuries were reported.

The driver, a 27-year-old Brighton man, along with two passengers, a 32-year-old Wayne woman, and a 31-year-old Livonia woman, were arrested.

“The Livonia Police Department remains committed to using innovative tools and effective strategies to keep our community safe,” the press release stated.

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