Phoenix police brought a high-stakes pursuit to a swift end Monday afternoon after a man armed with an AK-47 robbed a Chase Bank branch and fled north on Interstate 17.
The robbery occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. at the Chase Bank near 27th Street and Camelback Road, adjacent to the Biltmore Fashion Park. According to the FBI, the suspect entered the bank, fired a single shot into the ceiling with the rifle, and demanded cash before escaping with an undisclosed amount of money in a box truck. No one inside the bank was injured during the incident.
Phoenix Police Deploy Grappler to Halt AK-47 Armed Chase Bank Robber on I-17
Law enforcement responded quickly, with a Phoenix Police Department air unit tracking the suspect’s vehicle as it headed north on I-17. Approximately 15 minutes after the robbery, officers from the department’s K-9 unit deployed a specialized “Grappler” device near a point 15 miles north of Anthem. The device, which deploys a net to immobilize a vehicle’s rear tire and axle, brought the box truck to a controlled stop without further incident or injury to officers or bystanders.
The suspect was taken into custody at the scene without resistance. Authorities have not released his name or additional identifying details pending federal charges. The FBI is leading the investigation and has confirmed the man will face federal bank robbery charges.
The use of the Grappler device highlights Phoenix police tactics for safely ending vehicle pursuits involving armed suspects. Officials noted the tool allows officers to disable a fleeing vehicle while minimizing risks associated with traditional spike strips or roadblocks.
The robbery and subsequent takedown were captured by multiple local news outlets and shared widely on social media, drawing public attention to the rapid response by Phoenix police and federal agents. No other vehicles or individuals were reported harmed during the chase.
The incident marks another example of coordinated law enforcement efforts to address armed bank robberies in the Valley. The FBI continues to seek any additional witnesses or information related to the crime.