'Grappler' Debut Is A Success: Brand New Tool Safely Ends High-Speed Taconic Chase

PATTERSON, NY — A new tool to safely end police pursuits was put to the test in Putnam County, and passed with flying colors, according to Sheriff Brian Hess.

On Thursday, deputies were dispatched to a larceny in progress at Tractor Supply on Route 311 in Patterson, where a suspect was reported to have stolen several power tools before fleeing in a U-Haul van. Using license plate reader technology, deputies quickly located the vehicle.

At about 6:50 p.m, a deputy spotted the van in the Highlands shopping center on Independent Way in Southeast, and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and fled, leading deputies on a pursuit onto I-84 west at high speed, according to the sheriff's department.

The van continued onto the Taconic State Parkway and into Dutchess County, traveling through East Fishkill, before heading back into Putnam County.

After the pursuit re-entered Patterson, deputies deployed stop sticks on Route 311, deflating the van's tires. Moments later, a deputy successfully deployed the "Grappler," bringing the 30-minute pursuit to a safe conclusion.

Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody.

Frank V. Commisso, 35, of Newburgh, was charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Hilary L. Rampe, 39, of Walden, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

"This is exactly why we invested in this technology,"Sheriff Hess said. "Our deputies stopped a dangerous pursuit, and thankfully, no members of our community were injured by the actions of these two individuals. I'm proud of the work of our deputies, our dispatchers, and our assisting agencies. Thank you to Putnam County 911, the New York State Police, the Westchester-Putnam Real Time Crime Center, and all of our partner agencies."

The Grappler is an advanced pursuit intervention tool designed to safely stop fleeing vehicles. It was purchased using asset forfeiture funds, at no cost to taxpayers, according to the department.