New tech allows Washington police to safely pursue suspects

MOSES LAKE – Washington police will now carry cannons that will help them track fleeing suspects without messy car chases.

KXLY-TV reports that Moses Lake police will use the cannons to launch a sticky GPS unit called star chase onto a car before they start any enforcement or attempts to stop the vehicle. The star chase can send real-time tracking information to dispatchers.

The department was awarded a $7,200 grant that mostly covered the cost of two units, priced at about $5,000 each.

Chief Kevin Fuhr said the technology allows police to follow fleeing cars from a safe distance instead of engaging them in a high-speed chase.

Police say the cannons will be paired with patrol cars equipped with automatic license plate readers that look for stolen cars.