A police pursuit in southern Utah ended quickly after a deputy used a specialized bumper called a grappler to wrap a heavy-duty net around the fleeing vehicle’s rear wheel.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the chase began around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. A license-plate reader detected a 2013 Ford Escape reported stolen in California traveling north on Interstate 15 from Arizona.
Deputies spotted the SUV and attempted to stop it, but the driver allegedly continued east toward Hurricane. A Utah Division of Natural Resources ranger later located the Escape near 4400 West State Street and began pursuing it.
Authorities have identified the driver as 32-year-old David W. Drury of Mammoth Lakes, California. The sheriff’s office said he traveled at excessive speeds and maneuvered through traffic while refusing to stop.
What Spike Strips?
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A Washington County deputy driving a Grappler-equipped patrol vehicle joined the pursuit and moved into the lead position.
Near Sand Hollow Resort Parkway, a Hurricane police officer attempted to deploy spike strips. The sheriff’s office said Drury slowed and swerved around them.
The Grappler Wrapped Around the SUV’s Rear Wheel
Video shows the patrol vehicle approaching the Escape from behind. The deputy then deploys the Grappler, which releases a nylon net that catches the rear tire and locks around the axle.
The deputy used the tether to bring the Escape to a controlled stop. Authorities said Drury refused to exit and attempted to reverse before accelerating again, but the Grappler held the SUV in place. Officers eventually removed Drury from the vehicle at gunpoint and arrested him.
Drury Faces Charges in Two Cases
Drury was charged Thursday with possessing or receiving a stolen vehicle, fleeing from police, having an open container of alcohol and driving with a suspended or revoked license. A second case includes another fleeing charge, according to KSL and the sheriff’s booking records.
A police affidavit says Drury told investigators the Escape belonged to his girlfriend. He reportedly said they had argued and that she had repeatedly instructed him to return it.
The Department Says the Device Is Two for Two
Washington County became the first Utah law enforcement agency to install Grappler Police Bumpers earlier in 2026. The sheriff’s office currently has the equipment on approximately a dozen vehicles.
The department said this was its second successful use of a Grappler against a stolen vehicle.