Niles police use new tool to end holiday weekend pursuit
The Niles Police Department used a new tool to end a pursuit during the holiday weekend.
Police used their new Piranha pursuit intervention device during the chase.
The Piranha disables a car's tire by using steel quills to puncture it, letting air leak out after the car drives over it.
Officers used the Piranha during a pursuit that happened on the afternoon of July 2.
During the initial traffic stop, the driver, 41-year-old Ashaja Reese of Youngstown, was found to have an active warrant.
The officer placed the Pirahna device underneath the vehicle during the stop and flattened the car's rear tire when Reese drove away.
The pursuit ended a short time later on Route 46 after the driver lost control and struck a pole.
Reese was taken into custody following the crash.
Her charges include obstructing official business, failure to comply and assault.
Niles police purchased Piranha devices for all 36 of their cruisers earlier this year.