A couple in Plant City, Florida, is facing multiple charges after they allegedly fled from a traffic stop. As per the police, a backpack containing a firearm and narcotics was thrown out during the chase, and a patrol vehicle deployed a grappler to bring it to an end.
According to a press release issued by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the incident occurred on Thursday, May 28. At around 6 p.m., HCSO deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Near the intersection of Short Road and Pless Road, the vehicle’s driver allegedly refused to comply. Furthermore, as per the HCSO, the driver, later identified as 33-year-old Katheryne Tellez, intentionally turned toward a deputy’s patrol car.
Immediately, the deputy behind the wheel pressed down on the brakes to prevent a collision. Then, Tellez is accused of fleeing, disregarding traffic signals.
Chase Begins
During the pursuit, one of the vehicle’s occupants allegedly threw out a backpack. It was later recovered and, as per the HCSO, it contained a firearm and narcotics.
Eventually, near Wuail Meadow Road and Anacapa Lane, a deputy vehicle deployed a Grappler Immobilization Device. The footage attached above shows the moment in which the fleeing vehicle is stopped by the heavy-duty nylon net, wrapping around the left rear tire.
Moments later, two deputies exited the patrol car and drew their weapons. The driver, Tellez, is seen walking backwards with her hands above her head. Then, the passenger, 40-year-old Charles Grace, exited the front passenger’s seat and was arrested, too.
Suspects Arrested and Charged
Both individuals are facing multiple charges. If convicted, they could both spend years behind bars.
Katheryne Tellez is charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, driving with a revoked license, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and fleeing and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. The aggravated assault charge alone could send her to prison for up to 15 years.
Meanwhile, 40-year-old Charles Grace is charged with tampering with physical evidence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, armed trafficking in amphetamine (28 to 200 grams), possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, armed possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Another Grappler Ends Chase
Four days before the Florida incident described above, Wisconsin police in Monona deployed a grappler in a similar fashion. On May 24, 2026, Monona Police Department (MDP) officers observed two vehicles racing along Highway 51.
An MPD officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on one of the vehicles, to no avail. Despite the use of tire deflation devices and a curb collision, the pursuit continued.
Eventually, another MPD officer trained with a grappler took the lead position. Then, it was deployed, and the suspect’s vehicle came to a halt. He was later identified as 18-year-old Nathan A. Abernathy. He is charged wtih felony attempted eluding and reckless driving.