A high-speed pursuit that began with the theft of power tools from a Patterson store ended with two arrests after Putnam County sheriff's deputies used a specialized device known as a Grappler to stop a fleeing U-Haul van.
The Sheriff's Office said the Oct. 22 incident marked the first successful deployment of the Grappler in New York State. The device is designed to stop fleeing vehicles by deploying a heavy-duty net that entangles a rear wheel.
The incident began when deputies responded to a report of a larceny in progress at Tractor Supply on Route 311 in Patterson. A male suspect allegedly stole several power tools before fleeing in a U-Haul van.
Using license plate reader technology, deputies identified and located the vehicle.
At approximately 6:50 p.m., a deputy spotted the van at the Highlands Shopping Center on Independent Way in Southeast and attempted to pull it over. The driver refused to stop and sped away, leading deputies on a pursuit along Interstate 84 westbound.
The van subsequently traveled onto the Taconic State Parkway and into Dutchess County, passing through East Fishkill before returning to Putnam County.
When the pursuit re-entered Patterson, deputies deployed stop sticks along Route 311, deflating the van's tires. Moments later, a deputy deployed the Grappler, bringing the approximately 30-minute chase to an end.
Both occupants were taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.
The driver, Frank V. Commisso, 35, of Newburgh, was charged with multiple offenses, including 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.
His passenger, Hilary L. Rampe, 39, of Walden, N.Y., was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, resisting arrest and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Sheriff Brian Hess said the incident demonstrated the value of investing in technology that can help deputies bring dangerous pursuits to a safer conclusion.
"This is exactly why we invested in this technology," 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."
According to the Sheriff's Office, the Grappler was purchased using asset forfeiture funds at no cost to taxpayers.
The Sheriff's Office credited Putnam County 911, the New York State Police, the Westchester-Putnam Real Time Crime Center and other assisting agencies for their roles in the incident.
Article provided by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office
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