News
Stop Stick®Hit of the Month: May 2025: Derry Township Police Department – Pennsylvania
July 24, 2025
By: Zach Madden
Category: Stop Stick Hit of the Month
Stop Stick® Hit of the Month: May 2025
Discover the exceptional police officers nominated for the Stop Stick Hit of the Month: May 2025! Read how their skillful Stop Stick deployments safely ended dangerous pursuits.
“Stop Stick Hit of the Month: May” is Stop Stick Ltd.’s program to recognize outstanding performance results from the successful deployment of 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 “Hit of the Month: May 2025”.
Stop Stick Hit Of the Month: May 2025 Winner:
East
Derry Township Police Department
Hershey, Pennsylvania
- # of Cars Deployed on: 1
- # of Tires Deflated: 3 (L/Front), (L/Rear), (R/Rear)
- Device: Stop Stick®
- Pursuit Speed: 81-90 mph
- Time of Pursuit: 12 minutes
- Miles Traveled After Deployment: 1
- Target Vehicle Make: 2010 Nissan Sentra
- Deploying Officer(s): Sgt. M. McCormick
Stop Stick® Hit of the Month: May – Heroic Deployment Ends Pursuit, Protects Public & Police
This month, we honor Sgt. M. McCormick of the Derry Township Police Department for his swift and decisive actions on May 29th. Specifically, these actions dramatically halted a high-stakes pursuit in Harrisburg, PA. Indeed, his deployment of Stop Stick® not only ended a dangerous chase but also secured a violent suspect who had previously injured an officer.
Stop Stick Hit of the Month: May – The Incident: A Pursuit Escalates
The evening began when Susquehanna Township Police located a stolen vehicle in Harrisburg. A routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a grave threat when the driver abruptly accelerated, striking and dragging an assisting Penbrook Police officer as he attempted to flee. The officer was able to free himself, but the incident immediately triggered a multi-jurisdictional pursuit involving several neighboring agencies.
When Other Tactics Failed: Stop Stick Delivers
The suspect, demonstrating a wanton disregard for public and police safety, skillfully evaded multiple intervention tactics employed by the pursuing officers. The chase intensified, eventually crossing into Derry Township. It was here that Sgt. McCormick, positioned strategically, deployed Stop Stick®.
The fleeing stolen vehicle drove over the deployed Stop Sticks, leading to the rapid and effective deflation of all four tires. This critical intervention disabled the vehicle, bringing the dangerous pursuit to an immediate and safe conclusion. Pursuing officers swiftly surrounded the immobilized vehicle and took the driver into custody without further incident.
Safety & Accountability: The Stop Stick Difference
The injured Penbrook officer received immediate treatment at the scene and was subsequently transported to the hospital for further care. As a result of their actions, the suspect faces serious charges, including receiving stolen property, fleeing and eluding, obstruction of justice, attempted homicide, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license – clearly a testament to the severity of their actions.
Sgt. McCormick’s exceptional use of Stop Stick® in this critical moment truly exemplifies its power as a pursuit termination tool. His actions effectively and efficiently ended a situation that could have had far more tragic consequences, thereby proving Stop Stick’s effectiveness where other methods fell short.
Why Effective Pursuit Termination Matters:
This incident unquestionably underscores the vital importance of reliable pursuit termination tools like Stop Stick®. In situations where suspects show a clear intent to harm or evade, deploying a safe and effective vehicle immobilization device not only protects law enforcement officers and innocent bystanders, but also minimizes property damage. Ultimately, the ability to quickly and safely halt a fleeing vehicle is crucial for public safety.
Supporting Links:
- https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/dauphin-county/police-officer-injured-dauphin-county-traffic-stop/521-4bc54148-df8f-442c-a785-2743dd187fad
- http://wgal.com/article/dauphinco-susquehanna-police-injured-suspect-pursuit-custody/64931662
Stop Stick Hit of the Month: May 2025 Nominees
South
Garland County Sheriff’s Office
Hot Springs, Arkansas
- # of Cars Deployed on: 1
- # of Tires Deflated:1 (L/Rear)
- Device: Stop Stick®
- Pursuit Speed: 71-80 mph
- Time of Pursuit: 11 minutes
- Miles Traveled After Deployment: < 1
- Target Vehicle Make: 2005 Toyota Camry
- Deploying Officer: Deputy B. Strickland
High-Speed Chase Halted: Deputy’s Stop Stick Ends Dangerous Pursuit, Rescues Teens
Stop Stick Hit of the Month: May 2025 Runner-Up: Deputy B. Strickland, Garland County Sheriff’s Office
While May was certainly a busy month for law enforcement pursuits, we’re proud to recognize the outstanding actions of Deputy B. Strickland from the Garland County Sheriff’s Office. Indeed, his precise Stop Stick deployment led directly to the safe termination of a high-speed chase and the capture of a fleeing suspect, thereby unknowingly safeguarding three teenage juveniles found in the vehicle.
The Pursuit Begins: A Routine Stop Escalates
The incident unfolded after a Garland County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull over a red Toyota Camry for a traffic violation. Instead of complying, the driver accelerated, initiating a dangerous police pursuit through northeastern Garland County. As the chase continued, additional GCSO deputies were dispatched to assist.
Strategic Deployment: Stop Stick® Halts the Threat
Deputy Strickland strategically positioned himself ahead of a pursuit and deployed Stop Stick® to stop a fleeing Camry. The device deflated the vehicle’s left rear tire. The suspect then fled on foot but deputies quickly apprehended them.
Unforeseen Discovery: Protecting the Vulnerable
As additional GCSO deputies cleared the now-disabled vehicle, they made a critical discovery: three teenage juveniles remained inside. Fortunately, the swift and controlled pursuit termination prevented further danger to these passengers. Deputies safely removed the teens from the vehicle and returned them to their guardians.
The suspect, facing initial charges related to the pursuit, now faces several additional charges, including endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment, highlighting the increased danger their reckless actions created.
The Power of Effective Pursuit Termination
Deputy Strickland’s decisive use of Stop Stick® in this dynamic situation is a testament to its effectiveness in ending dangerous pursuits safely. His quick thinking ensured the apprehension of a reckless individual and, crucially, protected the innocent juveniles inside the vehicle, preventing what could have been a far more tragic outcome. This deployment underscores the vital role of Stop Stick technology in enabling law enforcement to gain control of high-risk situations when every second counts.
Supporting Links:
West
Nevada Highway Patrol
LasVegas, Nevada
- # of Cars Deployed on: 1
- # of Tires Deflated on: 4 (R/Front, L/Front, R/Rear, L/Rear)
- Device Used: Stop Stick®
- Pursuit Speed: 21-30 mph
- Time of Pursuit: 33 minutes
- Miles Traveled After Deployment: <1
- Target Vehicle Make: 2013 Hyundai Elantra
- Deploying Officer: Trooper T. Faul, Trooper G. Lujan
Double Deployment Dominates: Nevada Troopers Use Stop Stick® to End High-Stakes Pursuit at Hoover Dam
This month, we’re recognizing an outstanding display of coordination and tactical precision from the Nevada Highway Patrol. Troopers Faul and Lujan earned a Stop Stick® Hit of the Month Nomination for their expertly executed double deployment, which safely ended a dangerous high-speed pursuit near the iconic Hoover Dam.
From Traffic Stop to High-Speed Flight
The incident began when Nevada State Troopers attempted to stop a Hyundai Elantra for running a red light in Las Vegas. Instead of complying, the driver chose to flee, aggressively speeding away and attempting to evade law enforcement. This initiated a high-speed pursuit through the city streets.
Strategic Maneuver: Cornering the Suspect
The suspect’s reckless driving posed a significant risk as the chase moved from the city toward the Hoover Dam. Recognizing increased danger, Troopers Faul and Lujan moved ahead of the pursuit.
In a brilliantly coordinated effort, both troopers positioned themselves on opposite sides of the road at the same location. They then deployed their Stop Stick® tire deflation devices, effectively covering the entire roadway.
Double Hit, Double Impact: Pursuit Ended
As the fleeing Hyundai approached, both troopers simultaneously pulled their Stop Sticks across the road. The suspect’s vehicle hit both sets of sticks, resulting in the rapid flattening of all its tires. This double deployment disabled the vehicle, bringing the dangerous pursuit to a controlled and safe end.
Upon taking the driver into custody, authorities discovered that the suspect was under the influence and driving a stolen vehicle, leading to additional serious charges.
Why Double Deployments Win: Safety and Control
This incident highlights the exceptional effectiveness of Stop Stick® technology in safely ending pursuits, even in challenging environments. Troopers Faul and Lujan’s synchronized Stop Stick deployment ensured the fleeing vehicle had nowhere to go, thereby preventing it from continuing into potentially more dangerous areas or causing further harm. Ultimately, their actions are a testament to Stop Stick’s critical role in vehicle immobilization and enhancing officer safety during high-stakes incidents.
We commend Troopers Faul and Lujan for their outstanding work and decisive use of Stop Stick®, ultimately ensuring public safety and successfully apprehending a reckless individual.
Midwest
Miller County Sheriff’s Office
Tuscumbia, Missouri
- # of Cars Deployed on: 1
- # of Tires Deflated on: 5 (L/Front, R/Front, L/Rear. R/Rear + 1 Trailer Tire)
- Device Used: Stop Stick®
- Pursuit Speed: 61 – 70 mph
- Time of Pursuit: 21 minutes
- Miles Traveled After Deployment: <1 Mile
- Target Vehicle Make: 2006 BMW X5 and Trailer
- Deploying Officer(s): Deputy S. Musick
Quick Deployment Disables SUV & Trailer, Ends 21-Minute Pursuit Safely
This month, we’re proud to nominate the Miller County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Musick for a Stop Stick® Hit of the Month Runner-Up! Their expert deployment brought a challenging 21-minute pursuit to a safe end, effectively disabling both a fleeing SUV and its dual-axle trailer.
The Pursuit Begins: A Simple Traffic Stop Escalates
The incident began as a routine traffic stop for a violation. However, the driver of a BMW X5, towing a dual-axle trailer, refused to comply. Consequently, this refusal initiated a lengthy, 21-minute police pursuit.
Strategic Intervention: Stop Stick® Halts the Entire Rig
Deputy Musick positioned ahead of the chase and deployed Stop Stick®. The fleeing SUV drove over the device, flattening all four tires. Remarkably, the Stop Stick also disabled one of the trailer’s tires.
This critical vehicle immobilization halted the entire rig, preventing the dangerous chase from continuing. Officers were then able to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Apprehension & Discoveries: Safety First
Upon stopping, the driver resisted deputies’ orders, leading to a scuffle and additional charges for assault and resisting arrest. Subsequently, deputies took the suspect into custody, and a search then revealed a firearm inside the vehicle. Authorities also confirmed the driver had no valid license.
Deputy Musick’s deployment clearly demonstrates the exceptional effectiveness of Stop Stick®. In this complex scenario, a single deployment not only disabled the SUV but also its trailer, thereby ensuring the entire vehicle was immobilized. Ultimately, this action efficiently ended a potentially hazardous chase, safeguarding both law enforcement and the public.
The Miller County Sheriff’s Office’s decisive action with the right pursuit termination tool made all the difference in gaining control of this high-risk situation.
To register for Stop Stick® Hit of the Month: June 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.