Stop Stick® 2025 October Hit of the Month:

Discover the exceptional police officers nominated for the Stop Stick Hit of the Month: October 2025! Read how their skillful Stop Stick deployments safely ended dangerous pursuits. 2025 October Hit of the Month

“Stop Stick Hit of the Month: October” is Stop Stick Ltd.’s program to recognize outstanding performance results from the successful deployment of the Stop Stick® Tire Deflation Device in ending pursuits. Every month, hundreds of reports are received nationwide, documenting successful deployments of Stop Sticks®. These reports detail stories of exceptional police work and the proper deployment of the Stop Stick Tire Deflation Device to bring pursuits to a safe conclusion.

Below are the departments nominated from the hundreds of submissions and those selected as the “Stop Stick Hit of the Month: October”

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Stop Stick® 2025 October Hit of the Month: Winner:

 

South

Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office
Georgetown, Colorado

• # of Cars Deployed on: 1
• # of Tires Deflated: 3 (L/Front), (R/Front), (L/Rear)
• Device: Stop Stick®
• Pursuit Speed: 61-70 mph
• Time of Pursuit: 198 minutes
• Miles Traveled After Deployment: 1
• Target Vehicle Make: 2021 Toyota Tacoma
• Deploying Officer(s): Lt. D. Straley

2025 October Hit of the Month: Stop Stick Ends Violent DUI Pursuit in Colorado

Stop Stick® is proud to announce the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office (CCCSO) and Lt. Straley as the winners of the October Hit of the Month Award.

In a display of extraordinary courage and tactical precision, Lt. Straley and the CCCSO successfully utilized the Stop Stick Tire Deflation Device to terminate a high-risk pursuit involving an intoxicated driver. The suspect had already severely injured a police officer and disabled a patrol vehicle, demonstrating a willingness to use his truck as a weapon against law enforcement.

From Hit-and-Run to Officer Assault

The incident began on Saturday, October 18, 2025, shortly after noon in Idaho Springs, Colorado. The Idaho Springs Police Department (ISPD) responded to reports of a dark grey Toyota Tacoma driving recklessly, harassing pedestrians, and striking a vehicle in a Safeway parking lot before fleeing the scene.

Although officers initially could not locate the suspect in the immediate vicinity, witness statements and a license plate description allowed them to track the suspect to a residence. A Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Sergeant and an ISPD Officer responded to the location.

Upon arrival, the officers located the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to box him in. Despite commands to exit, the suspect remained non-compliant. When the ISPD officer attempted to extract the suspect from the vehicle, the driver suddenly reversed, dragging both the officer and the sergeant several feet. The maneuver knocked the ISPD officer down, causing severe leg injuries. As the sergeant moved to aid his injured partner, the suspect shifted into drive, pushing the ISPD cruiser out of his path to escape.                       

Escalation on I-70: Patrol Vehicle Disabled

The situation escalated minutes later when another CCCSO Sergeant spotted the suspect merging onto I-70 East. The Sergeant engaged in a pursuit, utilizing the left express lane to close the gap on the fleeing Tacoma.

As the Sergeant caught up, the suspect swerved aggressively from the far right lane across traffic, intentionally ramming the patrol vehicle. The impact forced the Sergeant’s cruiser into the concrete Jersey barrier, effectively disabling the unit and removing it from the pursuit.

Strategic Deployment Stops the Threat

With one officer seriously injured and a patrol unit incapacitated, the need to stop the violent suspect was critical. Deputies tracked the fleeing Tacoma as it exited the highway onto a frontage road.

Lt. Straley acted decisively, positioning himself ahead of the pursuit on the frontage road. Communicating effectively with pursuing units, he deployed Stop Stick® into the path of the speeding truck.

The deployment was a success, resulting in the flattening of three of the suspect’s tires. Robbed of the ability to maintain speed or control, the suspect ran off the road, disabling the vehicle on a soft berm. Although he attempted to flee on foot, deputies quickly overtook him. After a brief struggle, the suspect was subdued and taken into custody.

Charges and Consequences

Thanks to the bravery of the officers and the effective use of Stop Stick, a dangerous criminal was removed from the streets. The suspect faces numerous serious charges, including:

• 1st Degree Assault on a Peace Officer
• 2nd Degree Assault and Resisting Arrest
• Vehicular Eluding
• Menacing
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Reckless Driving & Reckless Endangerment
• Failure to Give Information/Aid after Damaging Another Vehicle

 

2025 October Hit of the Month: Commendation

Stop Stick commends the tenacity and bravery of the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Springs Police Department. Faced with a suspect determined to elude capture by any means—including using his vehicle as a deadly weapon—Lt. Straley’s intervention proved to be the decisive factor.

By deploying Stop Stick, Lt. Straley effectively “defanged” the suspect’s means of escape, preventing further injury to officers or the public. We are honored to name Lt. Straley and the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office as our October Hit of the Month winners.

Watch the Footage & Read More
https://www.kktv.com/2025/10/24/idaho-springs-suspect-arrested-after-driving-away-police-dragging-an-officer-sergeant/
https://youtu.be/I-uF1xVsgjs
https://youtu.be/AeFOaR4eNV0

 

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Stop Stick 2025 October Hit of the Month Nominees

West

Lewis County Sheriff’s Office
Chehalis, Washington

• # of Cars Deployed on: 1
• # of Tires Deflated: 1 (R/Front)
• Device: Stop Stick®
• Pursuit Speed: 120+ mph (140 mph Reported)
• Time of Pursuit: 12 minutes
• Miles Traveled After Deployment: 2
• Target Vehicle Make: 2022 Dodge Charger
• Deploying Officer: Deputy S. Okutsu

 

Stop Stick Ends 160 MPH Pursuit on I-5

 

Stop Stick® is pleased to introduce our first October Hit of the Month Runner-Up: Deputy Okutsu and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office (Washington).

In a situation where speeds exceeded 160 MPH, rendering many intervention tactics too dangerous to attempt, Deputy Okutsu’s strategic intervention with the Stop Stick Tire Deflation Device provided the winning solution to safely halt a reckless getaway.

Routine Stop Turns Into High-Speed Chaos

The incident began as a routine traffic enforcement stop by Washington State Troopers. A Dodge Charger was observed traveling at 85 MPH in a 65 MPH zone on Interstate 5.

A State Trooper quickly positioned behind the speeding vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The suspect initially appeared to comply, pulling the Charger off the roadway.

However, as the Trooper exited their patrol vehicle to make contact, the suspect suddenly punched the gas, spinning the tires and kicking up debris as they peeled away from the shoulder.

Escalating to 160 MPH

The suspect’s flight quickly escalated from a traffic infraction to a life-threatening situation. As the Trooper returned to their vehicle

to give chase, the suspect re-entered I-5 and accelerated rapidly.

Dispatch was notified that the suspect was fleeing at speeds over 144 MPH. The situation became increasingly volatile as the suspect raced past other motorists with the vehicle’s headlights turned off to evade detection. As the harrowing pursuit continued, Troopers reported difficulty closing the gap, estimating the suspect’s speed had climbed to 160 MPH—or potentially even faster.

The Winning Call: Safe Termination

Recognizing the extreme danger the suspect posed to the motoring public, Washington State Troopers and assisting Lewis County Sheriff’s Deputies coordinated to de-escalate the situation.

Putting a plan into action, Deputy Okutsu was positioned ahead of the pursuit on I-5. Working quickly and safely, Deputy Okutsu parked his patrol vehicle in a strategic location and deployed Stop Stick® across the roadway.

Moments later, the fleeing Dodge Charger struck the deployed device, successfully flattening the passenger-side front tire. The effects were immediate. Even while traveling at triple-digit speeds, the rapid deflation hampered the vehicle’s handling, forcing the suspect to slow down.

Realizing the vehicle was no longer viable for escape, the suspect ditched the car just two miles after the impact and fled on foot into a wooded area. Officers quickly established a perimeter, located the suspect, and took them into custody without further incident.

Capture and Consequences

The suspect now faces serious consequences for their reckless actions. During arraignment, the judge doubled the suspect’s bond, citing the extreme speeds and the immense risk posed to the community.

“It’s only pure luck that you didn’t kill someone driving at such speeds.” — Presiding Judge

Commendation

We are proud to nominate Deputy Okutsu and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office for the October Hit of the Month Runner-Up Award.

High-speed pursuits are notoriously difficult to manage. When speeds reach 160 MPH, options like PIT maneuvers can become lethal or impossible to execute. Deputy Okutsu’s decision to utilize Stop Stick proved to be the safest and most effective countermeasure, forcing the fleeing suspect to reduce speed and abandon the vehicle, ultimately ensuring no innocent lives were lost.

Read More
https://www.chronline.com/stories/man-accused-of-driving-160-mph-while-eluding-state-trooper-on-interstate-5-in-lewis-county,389894

 

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Midwest

Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office
Sheboygan, Wisconsin

• # of Cars Deployed on: 1 
• # of Tires Deflated on: 2 (R/Front), (L/Front)
• Device Used: Stop Stick® 
• Pursuit Speed: 61-70 mph
• Time of Pursuit: 5 minutes
• Miles Traveled After Deployment: 1
• Target Vehicle Make: 2025 Ford Bronco
• Deploying Officer: Deputy C. Pelzek

 

Stop Stick Safely Ends Wrong-Way Pursuit Involving Dementia Episode

Stop Stick® is honored to name the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy C. Pelzek as a Runner-Up for the October Hit of the Month Award.

While many pursuits involve criminal intent, this incident serves as a powerful reminder that Stop Stick is also a vital tool for public safety during medical emergencies. Deputy Pelzek’s quick actions prevented a potential tragedy on a dark highway, saving the life of a confused elderly driver and countless motorists.

Wrong-Way on the Highway: A Crisis at 2 AM

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of October [Date], 2025, just before 2:00 AM. Night-owl drivers on a major highway in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, were suddenly faced with a terrifying sight: a Ford Bronco traveling at highway speeds in the wrong direction.

Calls flooded into the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office, reporting near-misses and dangerous driving as the SUV continued against head-on traffic. Deputies responded immediately, locating the suspect vehicle and attempting a traffic stop. Despite the activation of emergency lights and sirens, the driver did not yield, continuing the dangerous wrong-way path.

A Life-Saving Intervention

Recognizing the imminent danger of a head-on collision, deputies knew they had to stop the vehicle before a fatal accident occurred.

Deputy Pelzek jumped into action, driving his patrol unit to a strategic location ahead of the wrong-way vehicle. With limited time, he deployed Stop Stick® into the path of the oncoming Ford Bronco.

Deputies worked to funnel the vehicle toward the deployment zone while limiting oncoming traffic. The SUV struck the Stop Sticks, successfully flattening two of the tires. Although the driver initially continued despite the rough ride, the deflation significantly reduced the vehicle’s speed and stability.

Compassionate Care Over Criminal Intent

With the vehicle slowed, pursuing deputies were able to execute a containment maneuver, pinning the Bronco with a patrol car to bring it to a complete halt.

As deputies approached the vehicle, prepared for a non-compliant subject, they quickly realized the situation was not criminal. The driver appeared to be in a state of disarray and confusion. Further investigation revealed the individual was suffering from a dementia episode and was in dire need of assistance, not arrest.

Deputies successfully calmed the driver, provided immediate care, and ensured their safe return to the custody of a family member.

Commendation

We are proud to recognize Deputy Pelzek and the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office.

This deployment highlights the versatility of the Stop Stick as a life-saving tool. It is not just for stopping fleeing criminals; it allows law enforcement to intervene safely when drivers facing mental health crises or medical episodes pose a risk to themselves and the public. Deputy Pelzek’s organized and rapid response undoubtedly saved lives on the highway that night.

 

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East

Long View Police Department
Hickory, North Carolina

• # of Cars Deployed on: 1 
• # of Tires Deflated on: 2 (L/Front, R/Rear)
• Device Used: Stop Stick® 
• Pursuit Speed:  81 – 90 mph
• Time of Pursuit: 10 minutes 
• Miles Traveled After Deployment: 1 Miles
• Target Vehicle Make: 2000 Toyota 4-Runner
• Deploying Officer(s): Ofc. Z. Pierce

Stop Stick Ends Multi-County Pursuit and Leads to Murder Arrest

Stop Stick® is proud to recognize Officer Pierce of the Long View Police Department (NC) as a Runner-Up for the October Hit of the Month Award.

Officer Pierce’s strategic deployment of Stop Stick during a multi-county pursuit was the catalyst for ending a dangerous high-speed chase. Not only did this intervention protect an unrestrained child inside the fleeing vehicle, but it also directly led to the capture of a suspect linked to the murder of a decorated veteran.

A Routine Stop Turns Into a Multi-County Chase

The incident began in Burke County, North Carolina, when deputies attempted a routine traffic stop after observing several traffic violations. Rather than yielding, the suspect accelerated, initiating a pursuit that would span multiple jurisdictions.

The fleeing vehicle maintained speeds between 80 and 90 MPH, weaving recklessly through traffic with total disregard for public safety. As the chase crossed into Catawba County, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from surrounding agencies to contain the escalating threat.

Precision Deployment Under Pressure

Monitoring the situation from his patrol unit, Officer Pierce moved to intercept the pursuit. He identified a safe location ahead of the chase and prepared his Stop Stick® rack for deployment.

Maintaining constant radio contact with dispatch and the pursuing units, Officer Pierce notified the deputies to give the suspect vehicle space, ensuring a clean and safe deployment zone. As the suspect focused on the cruisers in his rearview mirror, he failed to notice the Stop Sticks across the highway. Both the front and rear tires struck the device, resulting in immediate, controlled deflation.

Pursuit Ends, Investigation Begins

Crippled by two flat tires, the suspect attempted to exit the highway, but the vehicle failed to navigate a turn and was effectively disabled. As officers surrounded the car, the suspect released a dog from the vehicle in an attempt to distract them before being taken into custody.

A search of the vehicle revealed a disturbing scene: an open alcoholic container, a revoked driver’s license, and most critically, an unrestrained young child. The deployment of Stop Stick likely prevented a high-speed collision that would have been catastrophic for the child.

Breaking the Murder Case

The significance of this arrest became even clearer the following day. During a welfare check at a residence in Catawba County, deputies discovered signs of foul play involving a Bronze Star veteran.

The subsequent investigation led authorities to a wrecker yard, where the victim’s body was discovered inside a vehicle that had been towed previously. The suspect apprehended by Officer Pierce was identified as a primary individual in the homicide case.

Commendation

We are proud to nominate Officer Pierce and the Long View Police Department for the October Hit of the Month.

This case illustrates the “ripple effect” of a successful Stop Stick deployment. By safely terminating the pursuit, Officer Pierce not only protected an innocent child and the motoring public but also ensured that a dangerous murder suspect was taken off the streets before more harm could be done.

Read More:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/murder-suspect-charged-fleeing-arrest-035900099.html
https://whky.com/suspects-charged-in-catawba-county-homicide-case/

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2025 October Hit of the Month: To register for Stop Stick Hit of the Month: November 2025, submit a Deployment Report using this link: https://stopstick.com/deployment-report/

You can also be considered for Video of the Year by uploading dashcam or bodycam footage after submitting your Deployment Report.

To nominate an officer for Hit of the Month, please submit a pursuit report at: https://stopstick.com/home/pursuit-reporting.