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Stop Stick®Hit of the Month June 2024: Collier County Sheriff’s Office [FL]

October 20, 2024

By: Zach Madden

Category: Stop Stick Hit of the Month

Stop Stick® Hit of the Month Heroes:

 

Stop Stick  Hit of the Month June 2024
Read about the exceptional police officers who used Stop Stick to safely end pursuits in June and earn a nomination for Stop Stick Hit of the Month

“Hit of the Month” is Stop Stick, Ltd.’s program to recognize truly outstanding performance results coming from the successful deployment of Stop Stick® Tire Deflation Device in ending pursuits. Every month hundreds of reports are received from across the country documenting successful deployments of Stop Sticks®. These reports detail stories of exceptional police work and proper deployment of the Stop Stick® Tire Deflation Device to bring pursuits to an end safely. Below are the departments that were nominated from the hundreds of submissions, and the ones who have been selected as the “Hit of the Month”.

Stop Stick June 2024 Hit of the Month Nominees:

South

Collier County Sheriff's Office Badge [FL]

Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Naples, Florida

  • # of Cars Deployed on: 1
  • # of Tires Deflated: 1 (L/Rear)
  • Device: Stop Stick®
  • Pursuit Speed: 81-90 mph
  • Time of Pursuit: 20 minutes
  • Miles Traveled After Deployment: 3
  • Target Vehicle Make: 2007 Lexus LS460
  • Deploying Officer(s):  Cpl. Vath

Florida Fugitive Caught after Fleeing Deputies in a Stolen Car.

Naples, FL – A stolen car chase involving a Florida prison escapee came to a safe end thanks to the quick thinking and decisive action of Collier County Sheriff’s Deputy Corporal Vath.

Pursuit Takes Off

The incident began when Florida Highway Patrol and Sarasota County Deputies spotted a stolen vehicle speeding through their jurisdiction. The suspect, determined to evade capture, ignored two separate traffic stops, reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph. State Troopers reported the suspect weaving through traffic and exhibiting reckless driving behavior, even throwing objects from the vehicle.

Troopers Unable to Stop the Rampage

Due to the suspect’s erratic driving, troopers were forced to abandon the pursuit. However, Corporal Vath, anticipating the chase might enter Collier County, strategically deployed Stop Stick® tire deflation devices.

Stop Stick® Takes Effect

As the suspect vehicle barreled into Corporal Vath’s area, she expertly deployed the Stop Stick®, effectively flattening the suspect’s rear passenger tire. This significantly reduced the vehicle’s speed, forcing the suspect to continue for another three miles on a rim before the car finally became disabled.

Fugitive Apprehended

With the car disabled, pursuing officers were able to safely surround the vehicle and apprehend the suspect. It was later discovered that the suspect was a fugitive who had escaped a Hollywood, Florida jail earlier in the year.

Stop Stick® for Public Safety

Corporal Vath’s swift deployment of the Stop Stick® played a pivotal role in ending this dangerous high-speed chase. The tool not only reduced the suspect’s speed but also forced them to change their aggressive driving behavior, ultimately leading to the safe capture of the fugitive.

Nominated for Hit of the Month

For her heroism in this critical situation, Corporal Vath has been nominated for June’s Stop Stick® Hit of the Month award. Her actions exemplify how Stop Stick® can be instrumental in bringing high-speed chases to a safe conclusion, protecting the public, and preventing further harm.

 

Supporting News Article:

 

Stop Stick June 2024 Hit of the Month:
Midwest


Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Franklin Indiana

  • # of Cars Deployed on: 1
  • # of Tires Deflated: 2
  • Device: Stop Stick®
  • Pursuit Speed: 111-120 mph
  • Time of Pursuit: 28 minutes
  • Miles Traveled After Deployment: 5
  • Target Vehicle Make: Chevrolet Z17 Truck
  • Deploying Officer(s): Deputy Chris Baldwin

A Traffic Stop turned into a 120 MPH Multi-County Pursuit, which was Brought to a Safe End after Johnson County Deputies Found Success with a Stop Stick.

Sellersburg, Indiana – A high-speed chase spanning three counties came to a safe conclusion thanks to the decisive action of Johnson County Deputy Chris Baldwin and the effectiveness of Stop Stick® tire deflation devices.

Pursuit Takes Off on I-65

The incident began when Indiana State Police attempted a routine traffic stop on a speeding vehicle on I-65. However, the driver refused to cooperate and led troopers on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds exceeding 120 mph.

Multiple Agencies Join the Pursuit

State Police were joined by other local agencies in their pursuit efforts. Several attempts were made to stop the fleeing vehicle using Stop Stick® tire deflation devices, but the suspects managed to avoid them initially.

Danger Escalates

The chase continued for miles, with the reckless driver even throwing an unknown substance from the vehicle. The situation became even more critical when the suspect crossed the median and into oncoming traffic, nearly causing a head-on collision.

Stop Stick® Takes Effect

Determined to stop the pursuit safely, Deputy Baldwin strategically deployed Stop Stick® at mile marker 81. This decisive action proved successful. The fleeing vehicle struck the Stop Stick®, effectively deflating its tires and forcing the chase to an end.

Safe Apprehension

With the vehicle disabled, the suspects were safely apprehended at mile marker 82. The driver faces numerous charges, including resisting arrest, vehicle theft, and reckless driving.

 

Stop Stick® for Safer Communities

Deputy Baldwin’s nomination for the Stop Stick® Hit of the Month Award highlights the crucial role these tire deflation devices play in stopping dangerous pursuits. This incident demonstrates how Stop Stick® can help law enforcement safely bring high-speed chases to a conclusion, protecting the public and preventing further harm.

Supporting News Article:

https://fox59.com/news/three-arrested-following-i-65-multi-county-pursuit/

 

Stop Stick June 2024 Hit of the Month:
West


Missoula County Sheriff’s Office
Missoula, Montana

  • # of Cars Deployed on: 1
  • # of Tires Deflated: 1 (R/Front)
  • Device Used: Stop Stick®
  • Pursuit Speed: 111-120+ mph
  • Time of Pursuit: 15 minutes
  • Miles Traveled After Deployment: 2
  • Target Vehicle Make: 2015 Toyota Camry
  • Deploying Officer: Deputy Josh Volinkaty

Stop Sticks End High-Speed Chase, Suspect Arrested.

Missoula, Montana – A high-speed chase through city streets ended safely thanks to the quick thinking and decisive action of Lieutenant Josh Volinkaty and the proven effectiveness of Stop Stick® tire deflation devices.

Stolen Vehicle Fleeing at High Speeds

On the evening of June 18th, a Missoula police officer spotted a stolen vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. However, the suspect ignored commands and sped away, reaching speeds exceeding 130 mph. The suspect disregarded traffic laws, blowing through intersections and putting lives in danger.

Additional Units Join the Pursuit

Additional officers were called in to assist as the chase unfolded. At one point, the suspect made a sudden stop to let a passenger out of the vehicle before continuing to flee.

Strategic Stop Stick® Deployment

While the suspect was momentarily stopped, Lt. Volinkaty seized the opportunity to strategically deploy Stop Stick® devices ahead of the expected route. This proactive approach proved crucial in ending the pursuit safely.

Stop Stick® Disables Fleeing Vehicle

As the suspect resumed their escape, they crested a hill and were met by Lt. Volinkaty’s strategically placed Stop Stick®. The Stop Stick® successfully disabled the vehicle’s front right tire, bringing the chase to a quick halt.

Safe Apprehension

The suspect was safely apprehended without further incident. The suspect later admitted receiving the stolen vehicle from a friend and fleeing to avoid returning to jail.

Lt. Volinkaty Nominated for Hit of the Month

Lt. Volinkaty’s nomination for the Stop Stick® Hit of the Year Award highlights the critical role these tire deflation devices play in stopping dangerous pursuits. His quick thinking, strategic deployment of Stop Stick®, and the effectiveness of the system itself prevented further harm and ensured a safe apprehension.

Supporting News Article:

https://newstalkkgvo.com/chase-missoula-140-mph/

 

Stop Stick June 2024 Hit of the Month:
East

 

East Cocalico Township Police Department
Denver, Pennsylvania

  • # of Cars Deployed on: 1
  • # of Tires Deflated on: 1 (L/Front)
  • Device Used: Stop Stick®
  • Pursuit Speed: 111-120 mph
  • Time of Pursuit: 22 minutes
  • Miles Traveled After Deployment: < 1 miles
  • Target Vehicle Make: 2005 Honda CRV
  • Deploying Officer(s): Cpl. Christopher Luongo

East Cocalico Twp. An officer with Stop Sticks Instrumental in Stopping 20+ pursuit across Pennsylvania.

East Cocalico Township, Pennsylvania – A high-speed chase spanning over 20 miles across multiple jurisdictions came to a safe conclusion thanks to the quick thinking and decisive action of Corporal Luongo of the East Cocalico Township Police Department.

Stolen Vehicle Leads to High-Speed Chase

The incident began when Pennsylvania State Police attempted a traffic stop on a stolen Honda CRV. However, the suspect fled the scene at high speeds, reaching speeds of 120 mph.

Multiple Agencies Involved

The suspect’s reckless driving forced state troopers to pursue the vehicle across seven different law enforcement jurisdictions. Local agencies joined the pursuit to assist in stopping the fleeing driver.

Stop Stick® Ends the Chase

As the suspect entered East Cocalico Township, Corporal Luongo was prepared to take action taking the lead from State Troopers as they pursued the suspect Cpl. Luongo. He strategically deployed Stop Stick® tire deflation devices, which proved to be the key to ending the pursuit. Less than a mile after striking the Stop Sticks, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.

Stop Sticks a Vital Tool

East Cocalico Township Police Chief Savage praised the effectiveness of Stop Stick®, stating, “We have placed Stop Sticks in all of our patrol cars and have successfully deployed them numerous times. These devices not only prevent unnecessary risks but also provide law enforcement with the tools to end pursuits safely and hold suspects accountable.”

 

To register for Stop Stick® Hit of the Month, please submit a Deployment Report using the Link: https://stopstick.com/deployment-report/
You can be considered for Video of the year by uploading Dashcam, or Bodycam footage after submitting your Deployment Report.
If you know an officer who should be nominated for Hit of the Month please submit a pursuit report: https://stopstick.com/deployment-report/