Putnam Deputies Nab Thieves with Grappler Deployment

This screenshot from dash camera footage posted by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office shows the suspect’s vehicle tethered to the law enforcement vehicle behind it, which was put in place using a Grappler Police Bumper when the deputy bumped into the vehicle from behind.

A high-speed vehicle pursuit that spanned more than 30 minutes across Putnam and Dutchess counties Oct. 22 resulted in the arrest of two Hudson Valley residents, thanks to the use of a Grappler Police Bumper.

According to Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess, at about 6:40 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a larceny in progress at Tractor Supply on Route 311 in Patterson, where a male suspect was reported to have stolen several power tools before fleeing in a U-Haul van. Deputies were able to quickly identify and locate the vehicle using license plate reader technology.

At about 6:50 p.m., an officer located the van in the Highlands Shopping Center on Independent Way in Brewster and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver sped away, leading deputies on a pursuit onto Interstate 84 westbound at high rates of speed, said Hess. The vehicle continued onto the Taconic State Parkway and into Dutchess County, traveling through the Town of East Fishkill before turning back toward Putnam.

Shortly after the pursuit re-entered the Town of Patterson, deputies deployed stop sticks on Route 311, deflating the van’s tires. Moments later, a deputy deployed the Grappler Police Bumper, bringing the chase to a safe conclusion.

It was the first successful deployment of the Grappler by a law enforcement agency in New York State.

The Grappler is an advanced pursuit intervention tool designed to safely stop fleeing vehicles. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office recently trained deputies on the device, which was purchased using asset forfeiture funds – at no cost to taxpayers.

“This is exactly why we invested in this technology,” said Hess. “Our deputies stopped a dangerous pursuit, and thankfully, no members of our community were injured by the actions of these two individuals.”

Frank Commisso, 35, of Newburgh, and Hilary Rampe, 39, of Walden, were taken into custody and charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, and two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance – all misdemeanors.

Commisso was additionally charged with third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, second-degree reckless endangerment, petit larceny, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, and reckless driving – all misdemeanors; as well as multiple vehicle and traffic infractions.

Both were processed at PCSO and issued tickets to appear in court at a later date.