Aurora Police Test Tool That Shoots Rope To Restrain People

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(AP) -- A suburban Chicago police department is testing a new device that restrains suspects by shooting a Kevlar rope that wraps tightly around the person's body.

The Beacon-News reports officers from the Aurora police department are trying out the hand-held device, which is considered an alternative to using a Taser.

Officer Doug Rashkow says the device is designed to buy officers time so they can move in and take a suspect into custody "with hopefully no other physical altercation."

Called a Bola Wrap 100, the device shoots a 7 1/2-foot tether that has tiny hooks on both ends that sink into a suspect's clothing and makes him or her immobile. A laser helps officers aim where the rope will hit. Officers are taught to shoot around a person's legs or torso.