Rather than chase fleeing suspects at high speeds through city streets, police in two states are now employing a “cannon” to stop criminals.

No, the cannon does not blow up a suspect’s automobile.

Instead, the device—known as StarChase—fires a GPS bullet that sticks to the vehicle. From there, law enforcement can more safely track where the person is going without pursuing at top speed.

Another advantage of StarChase is that once a police car falls back, a suspect might mistakenly assume his pursuers have given up and slow down as well. This increases the chance of them being caught and decreases risks to other motorists and pedestrians.

The system, mounted behind the grill of a police cruiser, is currently in use by officers in Iowa and Florida.

It costs $5,000, with each bullet priced at $500.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

Police Firing GPS Tracking 'Bullets' at Cars During Chases (by Chris Matyszczyk, CNET)

'James Bond' Device May End Police Pursuits (by Amanda Lewis, KCCI 8 News)

StarChase