Activist and former YouTuber James “James Freeman” Springer was arrested late Sunday night and charged with four felonies and six misdemeanors after a police chase in Pima County, Arizona, where police reportedly used “the grappler” device to disable Freeman’s vehicle.
The incident happened late Sunday and the internet was made aware of the situation by YouTuber Pigs Under Pressure, who apparently was called by Springer to come to the scene. The YouTuber filmed himself being rebuffed by officers on scene as he said he could call Springer and calm the situation down.
While Pigs Under Pressure ultimately privated the video, YouTuber Christoper “Direct D” Ruff had screen recorded the interaction between Pigs Under Pressure and the police with the video ending with Freeman in the distance with his hands up, apparently cooperating with police.
Ruff went live early Monday morning and provided the majority of the coverage for the day, as other outlets, including our own, awaited the eventual arraignment hearing for Springer.
According to later published reports by News 4 Tucson and Tucson 9 KGUN, Springer’s wife called police after Springer fled the home after allegedly pushing his teenaged daughter and destroying items in the house. His wife stated that Springer had expressed ideations to do harm to himself.
Police found Springer in his vehicle at a gas station and followed as he left the station. Springer ignored the lights and sirens from police vehicles and led police on a low-speed police chase. He reportedly drove around spike strips.
Eventually, Springer was apprehended after police used the “grappler” netting device to disable his car.
Springer was charged with:
Two felony counts of disorderly conduct with a weapon
One felony count of unlawful flight from law enforcement
One felony count carrying weapon in the commission of a felony.
Four misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct – crime against a child.
One misdemeanor count of domestic violence – criminal damage.
One misdemeanor count of domestic violence – threatening.
Springer’s arraignment was aired live on YouTube via 587 Tucson’s channel with Springer’s case being called last in the morning session on Monday. There was a delay as a voice on the stream indicated that Springer had to be removed from a “restraining board” before he could go before the judge.
While not confirmed as the device did not appear on camera, such a device would be used to secure Springer’s legs to prevent kicking while handcuffed.
Springer appeared gaunt and dazed when he sat with the public defender during the hearing. He ultimately was ordered to pay a $40,000.00 cash or surety bond, with further conditions that he surrenders all firearms and have no contact with his victims. His next court date was set for May 14, 2026.
Following the hearing, The Pima County Adult Correction Center updated Springer’s location to the East Medical Observation Unit. According to its online description, as of 2026, inmates are housed in detox/intake observation units for five days upon arrival.
Arizona law allows for the use of a bail bondsman, who would need to be paid 10% of the Springer’s bond ($4,000.00), to facilitate his release. It is unclear if Springer’s location in the medical observation unit would prevent his immediate release should his bond be posted.
While Springer has previously been arrested Arizona, he was never charged with a crime; with this in mind, speculation by observers has been that Springer will be able to have his felonies reduced to misdemeanors and most of the misdemeanors dropped before trial.
Special thanks to Christopher “Direct D” Ruff’s extensive reporting on this story along with Discord User Judy You Got This for providing the links to local coverage of the news story.
This is a breaking news story.
Video Sources
