Hit of the Month Banner Stop Stick Award. Chaffee County Sheriff's Office

Stop Stick®Hit of the Month: September 2025: Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office [CO]

November 19, 2025

By: Zach Madden

Stop Stick® Hit of the Month: September 2025

Discover the exceptional police officers nominated for the Stop Stick Hit of the Month: September 2025! Read how their skillful Stop Stick tire (deflation device) deployments safely ended dangerous pursuits.

“Stop Stick Hit of the Month: September” 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: September”

Stop Stick Hit Of the Month: September 2025 Winner:

South

Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office
Salida, Colorado

# of Cars Deployed on: 1
# of Tires Deflated: 2 (L/Front), (L/Rear)
Device: Stop Stick®
Pursuit Speed: 61-70 mph
Time of Pursuit: 13 Minutes
Miles Traveled After Deployment: 2
Target Vehicle Make: 2004 Chevrolet Silverado
Deploying Officer(s): Sgt. W. Plackner

September Hit of the Month: Stop Stick Ends Amber Alert Pursuit, Secures Kidnapped Son

Stop Stick is proud to announce the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Plackner as the decisive winner of the September Hit of the Month Award. Sgt. Plackner’s expert deployment of a Stop Stick during an Amber Alert pursuit resulted in the swift termination of the chase, the capture of a dangerous felon, and the safe rescue of a 14-year-old boy.

The High-Risk Context

On September 25th, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued an Amber Alert after receiving a report that a man from Thornton, CO, had taken his 14-year-old son without the consent of the child’s court-ordered caretakers and the State.

The suspect was already considered extremely dangerous. He had recently been released from jail on bond for severe charges, including sexual assault of a minor and kidnapping, and was subject to a court-ordered No-Contact order. Prior to the kidnapping, the man had violated his bond conditions by cutting off his electronic ankle monitor, confirming his intent to flee.

Pursuit Initiated

A multi-agency effort began immediately to locate the suspect’s grey Chevy Silverado. License Plate Readers (LPRs) quickly identified the vehicle as it attempted to flee the state, and additional citizen calls provided accurate, real-time location data.

The Salida Police Department successfully located the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the suspect immediately fled, initiating a pursuit that rapidly reached speeds of 100 MPH on Highway 285.

Decisive Deployment

Recognizing the extreme risk the high-speed chase posed to the kidnapped child and the public, Sgt. Plackner strategically positioned himself ahead of the pursuit on Highway 285.

After communicating his plan with the pursuing officers, Sgt. Plackner deployed the Stop Stick Tire Deflation Device across the roadway. The fleeing truck made immediate contact with the device, puncturing and deflating both driver’s side tires.

Safe Termination and Rescue

The deflation sealed the outcome of the chase. The truck quickly slowed and came to a safe stop just two miles later. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Most importantly, the 14-year-old boy was safely rescued from the vehicle and immediately returned to the custody of his caretakers. The suspect was transported to the Chaffee Co. Detention Facility and now faces a host of additional charges, including Vehicular Eluding, Child Abuse, and Violation of a Criminal Protection Order.

Chaffee Co. Sheriff Andy Rohrich praised the outcome and the inter-agency teamwork:

“Law enforcement-related vehicle pursuits are extremely dangerous… The risk to not only the public but to the child in the vehicle was too high to allow a very dangerous man like the suspect to get away. I was in awe watching our local agencies working together, deploying their high level of training, putting an end to the situation utilizing non-lethal means [Stop Sticks].”

Stop Stick is proud to honor Sgt. Plackner and the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office for this exceptional display of training, teamwork, and tactical precision, underscoring the vital role Stop Stick plays in protecting our communities from dangerous situations.

Sources:
– https://kdvr.com/news/local/watch-stop-sticks-used-to-stop-man-who-allegedly-kidnapped-son/?nxsparam=9

Stop Stick Hit of the Month: September 2025 Nominees

North

Newington Police Department
Newington, Connecticut

# of Cars Deployed on: 1
# of Tires Deflated: 1 (R/Rear)
Device: Stop Stick®
Pursuit Speed: 41-50 mph
Time of Pursuit 3 Hours 40 minutes* – (Reported time = moment of respond and locating suspect)
Miles Traveled After Deployment: 4
Target Vehicle Make: 2011 Honda Fit
Deploying Officer: Ofc. Addamo

Stop Stick Deployment Halts Home Invasion Suspect Violating Five Protective Orders

Stop Stick® is proud to recognize the rapid and decisive actions of the Newington Police Department and Officer Addamo, whose effective use of the Stop Stick device resulted in the termination of a pursuit involving a dangerous suspect wanted for home invasion, assault, and multiple protective order violations.

Escalating Domestic Violence Situation

The incident began when the Newington Police Department responded to a domestic dispute call. Officers learned that a 25-year-old Hartford man had forced his way into the home of his children’s mother after assaulting her and breaking down the door. The children were present during the violent intrusion. At the time of the home invasion, the suspect was in flagrant violation of five separate protective orders that restricted contact with the victim.

The suspect fled the scene in his vehicle before officers arrived, but quick communication provided police with a positive description and license plate information.

Pursuit and Decisive Deployment

Later in the early morning hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in Hartford. Hartford Police attempted a routine traffic stop, but the suspect refused to comply and sped away, initiating a pursuit that led him back toward Newington.

As the pursuit entered Newington jurisdiction, Officer Addamo was ready. He strategically positioned himself and deployed his Stop Stick Tire Deflation Device in the suspect’s path. Preoccupied with the officers behind him, the suspect failed to notice the deployment and struck the device, flattening the front right tire.

Capture and Consequences

Though determined to escape, the suspect’s vehicle soon became inoperable due to the rapid tire deflation. The subsequent breakdown forced the suspect to a stop, and Newington officers quickly moved in to box the vehicle and prevent any attempt to flee on foot. The suspect surrendered without further incident.

The successful deployment ensured a safe end to a dangerous chase, preventing further public endangerment. The suspect now faces numerous serious charges, including Home Invasion, five counts of Violating Protective Orders, Assault, and Child Endangerment, demonstrating the severity of the crimes he was attempting to flee.

Stop Stick commends the Newington Police Department and Officer Addamo for utilizing this critical tool to prioritize public and domestic safety, ensuring a safe and decisive arrest of a high-risk individual.

Sources:
https://www.wfsb.com/2025/09/23/man-with-5-protective-orders-arrested-home-invasion-newington/

Midwest

Greeneville Police Department
Greeneville, Tennessee

# of Cars Deployed on: 1
# of Tires Deflated on: 4 (R/Front), (L/Front), (R/Rear) (L/Rear)
Device Used: Stop Stick®
Pursuit Speed: 81-90 mph
Time of Pursuit: 9 minutes
Miles Traveled After Deployment: < 1
Target Vehicle Make: 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
Deploying Officer: Ofc. M. Stanley, Ofc O’Laughlin

Two Deployments, One Safe Stop—Stop Sticks End Pursuit After Double Strike.

This September, the Greeneville Police Department showed exceptional coordination and tactical readiness, earning them a Runner-Up nomination for the Stop Stick Hit of the Month. Ofc. Stanley and Ofc. O’Laughlin decisively ended a high-risk pursuit of a reckless driver, demonstrating that having multiple deployment options guarantees a safer outcome.

Pursuit Initiated After Domestic Incident

The incident began in the early hours of September 8th when the Greene County Sheriff’s Office issued a police information memo regarding a suspect involved in a serious domestic disturbance. Deputies quickly located the suspect’s 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe speeding eastbound on W. Andrew Johnson Highway and initiated a traffic stop. The suspect refused to yield and fled, initiating a high-speed pursuit.

As the suspect drove recklessly, determined to avoid arrest, the pursuit crossed into the Greeneville Police Department’s jurisdiction. Recognizing the escalating danger to the community, Ofc. O’Laughlin and Ofc. Stanley coordinated with the pursuing deputies, strategically deploying Stop Sticks at two separate locations ahead of the chase.

The Double Strike That Guaranteed the Stop

The suspect’s vehicle first struck Ofc. O’Laughlin’s Stop Sticks. While this initial strike slowed the suspect, he remained determined to elude officers, continuing his flight at a slightly reduced speed.

Unaware of the subsequent defense line, the suspect then drove over the second set of Stop Sticks deployed by Ofc. Stanley. This second strike effectively disabled the remaining tires, bringing the pursuit to an immediate and final close. As the now-crippled vehicle coasted toward an open field, Greene County Deputies and Greeneville Officers quickly moved in, boxing the suspect in.

Arrest and Accountability

The suspect initially refused to exit the vehicle, forcing officers and deputies to work together to extricate him. Following a brief struggle, officers successfully subdued and took the suspect into custody.

The successful, non-lethal termination of the chase ensured that a dangerous individual facing charges of domestic disturbance was quickly taken off the road. The suspect is now facing multiple serious charges, including Assault on a First Responder, Fleeing and Eluding, Reckless Driving, and numerous other traffic and criminal violations stemming from the pursuit and his refusal to cooperate.

Stop Stick commends the Greeneville Police Department for their coordinated effort and tactical decision-making, showcasing how having multiple devices ready can quickly and safely end even the most determined high-speed flight.

Sources:
https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/mountain-city-man-arrested-following-high-speed-chase-altercation-with-officers/article_ad72facb-89be-4a0d-b153-035797f35603.html

West

McCall Police Department
McCall, Idaho

# of Cars Deployed on: 1
# of Tires Deflated on: 3 (R/Front, L/Front, L/Rear)
Device Used: Stop Stick®
Pursuit Speed: 91 – 100 mph
Time of Pursuit: 26 minutes
Miles Traveled After Deployment: 2 Miles
Target Vehicle Make: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer
Deploying Officer(s): Ofc. M. Martin

Stolen Jeep Wagoneer Recovered After Stop Stick Halts 100+ MPH Pursuit

For the September Hit of the Month Runner-Up, we recognize the decisive action of Ofc. Martin and the McCall Police Department. Ofc. Martin’s expert deployment of the Stop Stick Tire Deflation Device put a fast end to a lengthy, high-speed pursuit, resulting in the safe apprehension of the suspect and the crucial recovery of a stolen 2022 Jeep Wagoneer from Adams County.

The Cross-County Chase

The incident began when Adams County [ID] Deputies received an LPR (License Plate Reader) hit on a recently stolen 2022 Jeep Wagoneer. Upon locating the vehicle and attempting a traffic stop, the suspect immediately refused to comply, accelerating the high-value SUV to speeds exceeding 100 MPH.

The high-risk pursuit forced its way through several counties, placing the public at risk as the suspect showed no intention of slowing down. As the chase extended over 20 miles, Adams County Deputies called upon nearby agencies for pursuit containment assistance.

The Decisive Intervention

The McCall Police Department answered the call, and Ofc. Martin mobilized to intercept the chase. Acting strategically, he positioned himself ahead of the oncoming pursuit and deployed the Stop Stick across the roadway.

As the fleeing Jeep neared his location, Ofc. Martin executed a precise deployment. The SUV struck the device, successfully disabling three of its tires and effectively crippling the suspect’s ability to maintain high speed.

Safe Stop and Valuable Recovery

Crippled by the deflations, the stolen Jeep quickly coasted to a stop just two miles after impact. Pursuing Deputies and Officers immediately closed in, and the suspect was taken into custody without any further incident or struggle.

This event clearly demonstrates the critical role Stop Stick plays in law enforcement strategy. After over 20 miles of dangerous high-speed flight where the suspect was determined to escape, Ofc. Martin’s deployment provided the immediate, non-lethal intervention required. When all other tactics failed, the Stop Stick got the job done—safely disabling the fleeing vehicle, forcing the suspect to surrender, and ensuring the timely recovery of the stolen property.

To register for Stop Stick Hit of the Month: September 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.

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