News
Stop Stick®Hit of the Month: February 2025: National Park Service (Lake Mead) NV
April 20, 2025
By: Zach Madden
Category: Stop Stick Hit of the Month
Stop Stick® Hit of the Month: February 2025
Read about the exceptional police officers who used Stop Stick to end pursuits in February safely and earned a nomination for Stop Stick Hit of the Month: February 2025
“Stop Stick Hit of the Month:” 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 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 nominated from the hundreds of submissions and those selected as the “Hit of the Month: February”.
Stop Stick Hit Of the Month: February 2025 Winner:
West
National Park Service (Lake Mead)
Boulder, Nevada
- # of Cars Deployed on: 2
- # of Tires Deflated: 6 (L/Front), (R/Front), (L/Rear), (R/Rear) (L/Front), (L/Rear)
- Device: Stop Stick®
- Pursuit Speed: 51-60 mph
- Time of Pursuit: 9 minutes
- Miles Traveled After Deployment: 2 Miles
- Target Vehicle Make: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach 1 2023 Chevrolet Corvette
- Deploying Officer(s): Ranger M. Tolentino
Stop Stick Success: One Set Stops Two Drag Racing Vehicles in National Park
This month’s Stop Stick Hit of the Month Award recognizes the decisive action of Ranger Tolentino with the National Park Service, who skillfully used just one set of Stop Sticks to safely halt two reckless drivers engaged in illegal drag racing within the park.
Lake Mead Rangers received reports of a 2023 Corvette and a 2022 Mustang Mach 1 speeding and drag racing over 100 mph. Ranger Tolentino strategically deployed Stop Sticks as the vehicles attempted to evade pursuit.
The Stop Sticks immediately deflated all four tires on the Mustang and both driver-side tires on the Corvette. Rangers quickly surrounded and apprehended both drivers without further incident. Investigations revealed both drivers operated with revoked or suspended licenses.
Ranger Tolentino’s quick thinking and precise Stop Stick deployment earned him the February Hit of the Month Award. His actions safely halted two high-powered cars, preventing a dangerous, extended pursuit.
Stop Stick Hit of the Month: February 2025
Stop Stick Hit of the Month: February 2025 Nominees-
South
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Winter Haven, Florida
- # of Cars Deployed on: 1
- # of Tires Deflated: 4 (L/Front, R/Front, L/Rear, R/Rear)
- Device: Stop Stick®
- Pursuit Speed: 51-60 mph
- Time of Pursuit: 31 minutes
- Miles Traveled After Deployment: < 1
- Target Vehicle Make: 2006 Ford Ranger
- Deploying Officer: Deputy D. Wade, Sgt. R. Thomas
Stop Stick Stops Stolen Truck: Polk County Deputies End Multi-County Chase
Stop Stick Stops Stolen Truck: Polk County Deputies End Multi-County Chase
This month’s Stop Stick Hit of the Month nominee highlights the Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s strategic thinking. Deputies Wade and Thomas’s well-placed Stop Stick deployment safely and swiftly ended a multi-county pursuit of a stolen vehicle, showcasing preparation and teamwork.
The incident began on February 22nd when the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office pursued a stolen white Ford Ranger heading into Polk County. Immediately, the Polk County Aviation Unit’s helicopter responded, providing crucial real-time updates to ground units.
Leveraging this intelligence, Deputy Wade and Sgt. Thomas strategically positioned themselves and deployed two sets of Stop Sticks, creating an unavoidable obstacle. The suspect drove over both sets, deflating all four tires and stopping the vehicle.
Deputies quickly surrounded the truck. The agitated suspect refused to exit, necessitating their removal. During the extraction, two large knives fell from the suspect’s lap. A subsequent search of the stolen vehicle uncovered marijuana, drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, and Xanax.
The suspect, who initially refused to identify themselves, also had an outstanding warrant for resisting arrest and controlled substance possession. Consequently, they now face multiple charges in Polk County, including:
- Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Marijuana
- Possession of Xanax
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Two counts of resisting arrest
We proudly nominate Deputy Wade and Sgt. Thomas for the Stop Stick Hit of the Month Award, recognizing their dedication and skillful use of technology.
Supporting Articles:
Local News Article: https://www.tampafp.com/multi-county-pursuit-ends-with-naples-womans-arrest-in-polk-county/
North
New Hampshire State Police
Concord, New Hampshire
- # of Cars Deployed on: 1
- # of Tires Deflated on: 2 (R/Front, R/Rear)
- Device Used: Stop Stick®
- Pursuit Speed: 41-50 mph
- Time of Pursuit: 9 minutes
- Miles Traveled After Deployment: 4
- Target Vehicle Make: 2005 Subaru Forester
- Deploying Officer: Trooper J. Plourde
Stop Stick Ends High-Speed Chase: Fugitives Found After NH Trooper’s Intervention.
What starts as a routine traffic stop can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. However, this month’s Stop Stick Hit of the Month nominee showcases the swift action and strategic deployment by New Hampshire State Trooper Plourde, thereby turning a simple speeding violation into the apprehension of multiple fugitives after a brief but intense pursuit.
The Initial Stop: Excessive Speed Sparks Pursuit:
On the morning of February 26th, a vigilant New Hampshire State Trooper observed a Subaru Forester speeding at a dangerous 80 mph in a posted 30 mph zone. Recognizing the immediate threat to public safety, the Trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, instead of complying, the driver ignored the Trooper’s flashing lights and accelerated, initiating a pursuit.
Strategic Intervention on the Turnpike:
The fleeing suspect recklessly took the pursuit onto the Everett Turnpike, attempting to evade the pursuing State Trooper. Fortunately, NHSP Trooper Plourde was working a construction detail further ahead on the Turnpike and had been closely monitoring the unfolding situation via his radio.
Anticipating the suspect’s path, Trooper Plourde demonstrated quick thinking and decisive action. Breaking away from his detail, he moved to a safe and strategic location to deploy Stop Stick, aiming to safely slow down and ultimately end the dangerous pursuit.
Precision Deployment, Immediate Impact:
As the speeding Subaru approached his position, Trooper Plourde expertly deployed his Stop Sticks. The fleeing vehicle made direct contact with the device, resulting in the immediate deflation of both right-side tires. This swift action drastically reduced the Subaru’s speed and maneuverability, significantly limiting the duration and danger of the pursuit.
Pursuit Ends, Fugitives Apprehended:
The successful Stop Stick deployment quickly took its toll. The pursuit continued for only a few more miles before the Subaru Forester became fully disabled. Troopers swiftly converged on the now-stopped vehicle and safely took all three occupants into custody.
Warrants and Multiple Charges Uncovered:
Upon identifying the vehicle’s occupants, a concerning discovery was made: two of the passengers had previous outstanding arrest warrants. The driver now faces a string of serious charges, including:
- Felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon
- Disobeying a police officer
- Resisting arrest
- Reckless operation
Nomination for Hit of the Month:
Trooper Plourde’s quick assessment of the situation, strategic positioning, and precise deployment of Stop Stick directly led to the safe apprehension of multiple individuals, including wanted fugitives. Furthermore, his actions prevented a potentially more dangerous and prolonged pursuit. We proudly nominate Trooper Plourde for the Stop Stick Hit of the Month Award, recognizing his dedication to public safety and his effective use of our technology.
Supporting Links:
- Local News Article: https://www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov/news-and-media/driver-passengers-taken-custody-after-pursuit
Midwest
Channahon Police Department
Channahon, Illinois
- # of Cars Deployed on: 1
- # of Tires Deflated on: 3 (R/Front, L/Front, L/Rear)
- Device Used: Stop Stick®
- Pursuit Speed: 51-60 mph
- Time of Pursuit: 121 minutes
- Miles Traveled After Deployment: < 1
- Target Vehicle Make: 2018 Jeep Renegade
- Deploying Officer(s): Officer Potts
Stop Stick De-Escalates Crisis: Ofc. Potts Safely Ends Pursuit of Suicidal Individual
In situations involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, law enforcement faces a delicate balance between ensuring safety and providing necessary intervention. This month, our Stop Stick Hit of the Month nominee recognizes the thoughtful and effective actions of Ofc. Potts with the Channahon Police Department. His strategic deployment of Stop Stick successfully ended the pursuit of a reckless, potentially suicidal individual, thereby creating a safer environment for both the subject and the community.
Initial Call and Monitored Situation:
The incident began in Wilmington, Illinois, with a call about an individual experiencing a severe mental health crisis. Furthermore, the subject was under the influence of narcotics and armed with knives. Wilmington Police located the vehicle, but due to company policy, could not pursue it when the individual fled.
Subsequently, the situation remained critical as the vehicle entered Channahon. Channahon Police also attempted a stop, however, the driver fled again. Prioritizing public safety, officers monitored from a safe distance, thereby avoiding a high-speed chase.
However, the situation escalated when the individual dangerously accelerated toward an officer’s vehicle. This prompted a pursuit and an urgent request for Stop Sticks. Ofc. Potts swiftly deployed Stop Sticks, flattening three of the suspect’s tires.
The impaired vehicle then hit a tree and caught fire. Amidst the chaos, the individual fled on foot. In response, a perimeter and shelter-in-place order were established. A coordinated search quickly located and apprehended the individual safely, consequently lifting the shelter-in-place order.
Ofc. Potts’s rapid response and successful Stop Stick deployment were crucial in resolving this dangerous situation safely. His actions highlight Stop Stick’s role in stopping fleeing vehicles and creating safe space for officers to intervene in mental health crises. We proudly nominate Ofc. Potts for the February Hit of the Month Award for his calm and effective use of Stop Stick.
Supporting Links:
- Local News Article: https://www.wcsjnews.com/news/local/man-arrested-following-police-pursuit-and-search-in-channahon/article_a4ff6ee6-f506-11ef-9228-27fdf5ce55fe.html
To register for Stop Stick® Hit of the Month: February 2025, 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/home/pursuit-reporting