Grand Rapids officer honored for Stop Stick deployment | News

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Grand Rapids Police say they were able to force killer Rodrick Dantzler to slow down and eventually abandon his vehicle because an officer punctured his tires with Stop Sticks.

"It obviously caused his vehicle to travel at a much slower rate," says Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk.

Because of his skillful and courageous use of the device to help capture the man accused of seven murders, the company that makes Stop Sticks is giving Grand Rapids Police Officer Mike Wordelman their "Hit of the Year" award.

"Each year we like to reward an outstanding, successful deployment, and in 2011 it was Officer Wordelman," explains Stop Tech regional manager Brent Jones.

Last July Officer Wordelman got out ahead of the high-speed chase and threw out Stop Sticks in front of Danzler's getaway vehicle. Two tires were punctured and were soon flat.

"I was kind of hidden behind a car as they were approaching," he explains. "I could see he ran them over. It wasn't immediate. The tires didn't blow up but it was a slow deflation."

Officer Wordelman received his award Thursday at police headquarters.

"I just happened to be in the right place at the right time," says Officer Wordelman. "We have a department full of officers that could have done the same thing I did."

"It certainly was dangerous," says Chief Belk. "Through his selfless acts I think he was able to save lives."

After running over the Stop Sticks, Rodrick Dantzler soon abandoned his disabled vehicle. He fled to a nearby home and held three hostages for several hours.  He released them unhurt before taking his own life.