08/20/2026
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 20, 2026
Issuing Agency: Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Grappler Police Bumper Safely Ends Multi-Agency Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle in Washington County
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah — On the afternoon of August 19th, 2026, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with multiple local law enforcement agencies, safely apprehended a suspect operating a confirmed stolen vehicle following an inter- agency pursuit that was successfully brought to a conclusion using a Grappler Police Bumper.
At approximately 2:49 P.M., the Consolidated Communication Center broadcast an Attempt to Locate (ATL) for a vehicle entering Utah on Interstate 15 from Arizona. The vehicle had been formally reported stolen out of California.
Officers with the Washington City Police Department observed the vehicle traveling northbound on I-15 near mile marker 12 and initiated a traffic stop near exit 16. The driver failed to yield and began actively evading officers, exiting the freeway. Washington City Police discontinued their pursuit at that time.
Shorty thereafter, a Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Ranger spotted the suspect vehicle near 4400 W State Street and attempted a vehicle stop. The suspect again refused to stop, prompting the Ranger to initiate a pursuit. A Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy equipped with a specialized Grappler Police Bumper was traveling five vehicles behind the DNR Ranger and responded to assist.
The Deputy caught up near 3820 W State Street. Recognizing the immediate advantage of the Grappler System, the DNR Ranger relinquished primary pursuit position to the Deputy. The suspect vehicle continued to evade officers, turning south onto Sand Hollow Road.
As the pursuit continued toward Sand Hollow Resort Parkway, an officer with the Hurricane Police Department positioned ahead attempted to deploy spike strips. The suspect slowed and swerved to avoid the spikes. The reduction in speed created an optimal and safe opportunity for the pursuing Deputy to apply the Grappler Police Bumper onto the vehicle’s driver-side rear tire, bringing the pursuit to a rapid and controlled stop.
Following the stop, Deputies issued clear verbal commands instructing the driver to turn off the ignition and remove the keys. The driver refused to comply with lawful orders and attempted to flee again, backing up the vehicle to gain momentum in an effort to defeat the tethering system. The Grappler system worked as designed, holding the vehicle firmly in place and preventing further flight.
Due to the driver's continued non-compliance, Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office alongside Officers from the Hurricane Police Department safely extracted the suspect from the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to express its sincere gratitude to all partnering agencies whose communication, quick response, and tactical cooperation led to the safe apprehension of this suspect and recovery of the stolen vehicle:
Utah Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division
Hurricane City Police Department
Adult Probation and Parole (AP&P)
Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) STAR 9 Aviation
Washington City Police Department
Hurricane Fire and Rescue
Suspect Booking & Charges:
The suspect was booked into the Purgatory Correctional Facility on the following charges:
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
Evading / Failure to Stop at Command of Law Enforcement
Driving on a Suspended License
Open Container in Vehicle
(Note: needed to edit post to correct the old letter head in the images)
