By Tiffany Williams –
Tampa, Fla. — A high-speed attempt to escape law enforcement in Hillsborough County ended not with a dangerous crash, but with a controlled stop made possible by a piece of technology now mounted to patrol vehicles across the county.
The incident unfolded on December 17, 2025, when deputies encountered a suspect during a traffic stop. Instead of complying, the driver accelerated away, triggering a pursuit as deputies worked to track the vehicle moving at high speed through local roadways.
Air support quickly entered the picture. Aviation units monitored the suspect’s vehicle from above while deputies coordinated on the ground, carefully watching as the fleeing driver moved toward increasingly congested streets.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the situation became more dangerous when the suspect exited onto Bearss Avenue and continued south on Nebraska Avenue, an area known for heavier traffic.
That is when deputies deployed a tool designed specifically to bring pursuits to a controlled end.
Using a Grappler device mounted to a patrol vehicle, deputies were able to safely disable the suspect’s vehicle. The system deployed a tether that secured to the vehicle’s rear tire, gradually slowing it down and bringing it to a controlled stop.
The driver, identified as 25-year-old Ramiya Franklin, was taken into custody.
Franklin now faces a series of criminal charges tied to the incident, including two counts of felony fleeing to elude, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cannabis less than 20 grams, and violation of probation related to burglary of an unoccupied structure or conveyance.
For law enforcement, the incident highlights the role emerging technology is playing in reducing the danger traditionally associated with vehicle pursuits.
The Grappler system, which physically attaches to the rear tire of a suspect’s vehicle, allows deputies to slow a fleeing car rather than force a high-speed chase to continue through crowded roadways.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has installed Grappler devices on 50 patrol vehicles as part of its broader effort to introduce tools designed to manage high-risk encounters more safely.
“The Grappler represents the kind of innovative technology that is changing how law enforcement safely manages high-risk situations,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This system gives our deputies the ability to quickly and precisely disable a vehicle in a controlled manner. Tools like the Grappler provide real-time solutions in dynamic situations and reflect our continued commitment to equipping our deputies with advanced technology that enhances safety, accountability, and effectiveness in the field.”
Officials say the department will continue investing in technologies aimed at improving safety outcomes for deputies and the public, while strengthening operational effectiveness during rapidly evolving situations on the road.
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