Splendora Police Use Grappler Device to End High-Speed Chase

Pursuit intervention system helps officers safely stop fleeing vehicle with children inside

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Splendora police used a newly-implemented Grappler Police Bumper device to safely end a high-speed chase after a driver fled a traffic stop. The pursuit reached speeds of nearly 90 mph before officers deployed the Grappler, which entangled the rear tire and allowed them to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. The driver, identified as Joseph Ntunzwenmana, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including endangering children who were passengers in the vehicle.

Why it matters

The use of the Grappler pursuit intervention system highlights how law enforcement agencies are adopting new technologies to end dangerous high-speed chases safely, protecting officers, suspects, and innocent bystanders. This incident also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the challenges police face in balancing public safety with appropriate enforcement.

The details

Splendora police attempted to stop Ntunzwenmana's vehicle after clocking it at 90 mph in a 65 mph zone. When the officer initiated the stop, Ntunzwenmana fled, leading to a high-speed chase. Once conditions were safe, officers deployed the Grappler, which disabled the vehicle. Ntunzwenmana refused to comply with commands and became combative, prompting the use of a Taser. Police later discovered additional adult occupants and children were in the vehicle.

  • On January 31, Splendora police attempted to stop Ntunzwenmana's vehicle for speeding.
  • The high-speed chase reached nearly 90 mph before officers deployed the Grappler device.

The players

Splendora Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that used the Grappler pursuit intervention system to safely end the high-speed chase.

Joseph Ntunzwenmana

The 45-year-old driver who fled a traffic stop and led police on a high-speed chase, resulting in multiple charges including endangering children.

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What they’re saying

“The Grappler gives our officers a safer way to end dangerous pursuits. This technology helped prevent a potentially tragic outcome by protecting our officers, the occupants inside the vehicle, and innocent motorists traveling our roadways.”

— Wally Wieghat, Splendora Police Chief (KFDM)

“The fact that children were inside the vehicle makes this incident especially troubling. Our officers train for moments like this so that even under dangerous circumstances, lives—especially the lives of children—are protected.”

— Wally Wieghat, Splendora Police Chief (KFDM)

What’s next

All charges against Ntunzwenmana are being filed with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. The Splendora Police Department remains committed to protecting the public through responsible enforcement, advanced technology, and proactive policing strategies.

The takeaway

This incident highlights how law enforcement agencies are leveraging new technologies like the Grappler to safely end high-speed chases and protect officers, suspects, and innocent bystanders. However, it also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the challenges police face in balancing public safety with appropriate enforcement.