Clarkston police unveil secret weapon

Clarkston city police Wednesday officially unveiled their latest weapon against crime: a blue-light equipped, four-seater golf cart.

The cart can’t go more than 40 mph, but within a month’s time it has helped officers nab two burglary supects, foil a couple of drug sales behind convenience stores, cut down on criminal activity on a bike path and collar some truants.

Emanuel Ransom / Special

This will be the last thing many criminals in Clarkston ever see of the outside world.

Emanuel Ransom / Special

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“This car is electric. They can’t hear it come,” said police Chief Tony Scipio. “With this thing, we’re able to drive on the sidewalks, up close and personal. By the time they see it, it’s too late. They can’t outrun it.”

The $6,000 cart, paid for with drug asset forfeitures. is a “neighborhood electric vehicle” sold by Tio (Transportation Innovation Object) America.

Scipio said residents had been complaining about the department’s use of motorcycles to patrol the city’s bike path. They said the big Harley-Davidsons scared them when they were out walking their dogs and griped that the motorcycles are not environmentally friendly.

After he saw a Tio cart, Scipio ordered one painted like a patrol vehicle and had it equipped with a public address system, four-way flashers and supplies for emergencies.

Since its debut, more people are using the bike trail, and Clarkston’s shopping centers love to see it come — not just for the security, but because the little car draws customers.

“Everybody walks up and wants to see it,” Scipio said.