Colorado State Patrol Uses Grappler Device to Stop Reckless Driver During Pursuit in El Paso County

Description: Colorado State Patrol trooper uses Grappler device to safely stop a reckless driver in El Paso County, preventing a potential crash and injuries. The Colorado State Patrol Released the Following Incident Statement, Dash Cam, and Body Cam Footage on Oct. 16, 2025...

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Colorado State Patrol Uses Grappler to Safely Stop Dangerous Driver in El Paso County

(EL PASO COUNTY, COLO) — In the early morning hours of October 5, 2025, a Colorado State Patrol trooper successfully stopped an unsafe driver heading toward a crash scene by using the Grappler Police Bumper system, preventing potential further injury at the crash scene and to other motorists.

At approximately 1:03 a.m., Trooper Helland was responding to a crash on Highway 24 when he observed a silver Dodge Ram 2500 traveling at a high rate of speed towards the crash scene. Speed radar confirmed the vehicle was moving 87 mph in a 55-mph zone. Despite the trooper’s activated emergency lights and siren, the driver refused to slow down or stop. The driver began accelerating and weaving into oncoming lanes of traffic before turning south onto Marksheffel Road.

With concerns about the erratic driving behavior and the driver's response to encountering law enforcement, Trooper Helland informed dispatch of a new situation that had the potential to escalate rapidly, causing a threat to life. The driver turned into oncoming traffic and then back in front of the Trooper and continued to flee. This driving maneuver posed an imminent risk to the public. As a result Trooper Helland used his patrol vehicle’s grappler, an immobilization device designed to entangle a fleeing vehicle’s rear tire, to bring the pursuit to a safe end.

The driver of the Dodge Ram, 22-year-old Davonta Skaggs of Pueblo, Colorado, was taken into custody without sustaining any injuries. The vehicle was also occupied by 4 passengers: two juvenile males, an 18-year-old female, and a 22-year-old female. Three of the passengers were released to a legal guardian.  One juvenile was taken into custody for possession of a firearm. Skaggs did not possess a valid driver’s license.  He was charged with the following:

• Vehicular Eluding Created a Substantial Risk of Bodily Injury

• Reckless Driving

• Speeding (25-39) MPH Over

• Drove Vehicle Without a Valid Driver’s License

The Colorado State Patrol continues to urge motorists to drive responsibly, obey posted speed limits, and always yield to emergency vehicles. When drivers choose to flee, they not only risk their own lives but also endanger everyone sharing the road.

All Parties Considered Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law.

Tweet