Gwinnett Officer Uses Jiu-Jitsu to Subdue Suspect

Body cam footage shows officer taking down suspect during routine traffic stop

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A Gwinnett County police officer used her jiu-jitsu training to subdue a suspect during a routine traffic stop after discovering drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. The incident was captured on the officer's body camera footage.

Why it matters

The case highlights how some police departments are training officers in techniques like jiu-jitsu to help them safely subdue suspects without resorting to more forceful measures. This approach aims to reduce the risk of injuries to both officers and suspects during confrontations.

The details

During the Dec. 21, 2025 traffic stop, Officer Vides discovered a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine inside the suspect's vehicle. When the suspect, Carolyn House, attempted to touch the pipe, a struggle ensued. Vides then used her jiu-jitsu training to take House to the ground and subdue her, despite her continued resistance.

  • The incident occurred on December 21, 2025 during a routine traffic stop.
  • Gwinnett County police released the body camera footage in February 2026.

The players

Officer Vides

A Gwinnett County police officer who regularly attends jiu-jitsu training provided by the department to teach officers how to safely subdue suspects.

Carolyn House

The motorist who was pulled over by Officer Vides and charged with several drug-related offenses after a pipe was found in her vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“There's a pipe right here in plain view. Don't touch it.”

— Officer Vides (atlantanewsfirst.com)

“Alright, then, you're going to be struggling right now.”

— Officer Vides (atlantanewsfirst.com)

What’s next

Carolyn House was charged with several drug-related offenses and it is unclear if she will face additional charges related to the confrontation with Officer Vides.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates how some police departments are training officers in techniques like jiu-jitsu to help them safely subdue suspects without resorting to more forceful measures, with the goal of reducing the risk of injuries during confrontations.