Tempe police arrested a driver accused of recording himself driving a Chevrolet Corvette at 140 mph across the Mill Avenue bridge, using a vehicle-stopping “grappler” device to end the pursuit safely.
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Repeated Complaints From Residents
Police say they received numerous complaints from residents about the driver’s behavior in the days leading up to the arrest. Officers first attempted to stop the driver after witnessing the high-speed run across the bridge, but he allegedly ran red lights and evaded them.
Grappler Device Ends the Pursuit
The following day, officers spotted the same red Corvette driving at high speed again. When the driver attempted to flee, officers deployed a grappler device, which clamps onto a vehicle’s tire to bring it to a stop without a prolonged chase or collision risk.
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Charges and Vehicle Seizure
Authorities have not released the driver’s name, but he faces felony evasion charges, and his vehicle has been seized as evidence. “This isn’t something we tolerate,” Tempe police said in a video statement posted to social media. “We’re addressing it head-on.”
Part of a Broader Crackdown
The arrest comes amid ongoing concern in the Phoenix area over street racing and reckless driving, with police signaling a renewed focus on repeat offenders. Officials say the grappler device has proven effective at ending high-speed pursuits without the risks associated with traditional chases. “We hear the community loud and clear,” a police spokesperson said. “If you choose to endanger others by driving recklessly, we will find you and stop you.”