Sheriff Uses New Spider-Man Type Tool To Subdue People: Video

Tampa FL

16 August, 2021

11:18 PM

Description

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — They're not superheroes. But a new tool for subduing suspects without anyone getting hurt may make sheriff's deputies feel like Spider-Man. After a successful pilot program, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced the launch of a less lethal de-escalation device called the BolaWrap. "It's like something out of a Spider-Man movie," Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "It has a tether that comes out with hooks and quickly wraps around the individual's legs and subdue that subject, maybe preventing that person from harming themselves or putting that deputy in harm." Costing about $1,000 each, the BolaWrap is a device that has the ability to detain a person, without harm, who is a threat to themselves, deputies or the community. The hand-held device features a remotely launched Kevlar tether that wraps around a person's body. The BolaWrap can be deployed from up to 25 feet away, allowing deputies to maintain a safe distance while still restraining the person before a confrontation escalates and requires a higher level of force. When deployed, the device also makes a loud popping sound, which can serve as a distraction as deputies work to detain a person. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office began testing the BolaWrap in April. "By adding this new, less lethal resource to the menu of options for deputies, we can quickly and effectively de-escalate a dangerous situation," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I am thankful we have the opportunity to implement the BolaWrap as a safe alternative that will complement our desire to bring a peaceful resolution to every encounter." On any given day, deputies encounter people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, under the influence of drugs or non-compliant to the point of creating a dangerous environment. The BolaWrap will allow deputies to temporarily detain an individual if deemed necessary while working to de-escalate the situation. HCSO will be implementing 165 BolaWraps, supplying the device to select patrol deputies, the Behavioral Resources Unit and Street Crimes Units in every district. Body camera video showcasing three incidents in which the BolaWrap was deployed can be seen in the video. On May 27 at 5:30 p.m., deputies were called to a domestic battery situation in Citrus Park. When a deputy arrived, the suspect immediately threw an object at him, quickly turning this into a violent encounter. The deputy was able to successfully use his BolaWrap as a distraction and detain the man.On June 14, at 6:45 p.m., deputies responded to a report of an person in swampy water in Thonotosassa suffering a mental health crisis. When a deputy made contact with the man and determined that he posed a threat to himself, the deputy deployed his BolaWrap in an attempt to detain the man without harm and get him to a facility for medical evaluation. The man was transported to an area hospital and placed under the Marchman Act, allowing medical staff to get him the treatment he needed.On May 24 at around 2:30 p.m., deputies were called to a report of a trespasser at a local store in the Brandon area. Deputies arrived and gave the woman several commands to comply, which the woman refused to follow, instead running into oncoming traffic, putting herself and motorists in danger. A deputy launched his BolaWrap and was able to successfully subdue the woman.