In Honor of Sgt. Grant Candies — The Hidden Danger of Spike Strip Deployment

Sergeant Grant J. Candies

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana

End of Watch: Sunday, March 23, 2025

What Happened:

Just after midnight, Sergeant Grant Candies was assisting with a high-speed pursuit involving a reckless driver with no plate, swerving at 85-90 mph through Slidell. The pursuit moved onto I-10. Sgt. Candies attempted to deploy spike strips near the Oak Harbor exit. As he positioned himself to stop the suspect vehicle, the juveniles inside continued fleeing—and struck and killed him.

The suspects kept going until they crashed into a New Orleans PD unit near Crowder Boulevard. The NOPD officer survived with non-life-threatening injuries. All suspects were arrested. Multiple juveniles were charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

Sergeant Candies was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and nine-year law enforcement officer. In 2023, he was named Deputy of the Year after saving two lives. He is survived by his wife, two children, and a large family.

A Dangerous Job Within a Dangerous Job

Pursuits are already deadly. Add in the task of deploying spike strips, and the risk multiplies—fast. The officer deploying spikes is often the most exposed and vulnerable person in the entire operation. You’re trying to stop a suspect who has no regard for your life, with no cover, at night, while traffic (or the suspect) is flying past.

This is exactly what happened to Sgt. Candies. It could happen to any of us.

Tactical Reminders:

1. Treat Spike Deployment Like an Ambush Setup

It’s not just “laying out spikes.” It’s a tactical op. Choose a location with cover or concealment, and ideally a curve or choke point that slows the suspect down.

2. If You Can Hear the Sirens—It’s Too Late

A simple rule that saves lives: if you can hear the pursuit sirens coming, the units are too close. Do not deploy the strips. Back out. Reset. You won’t have enough time or space to act safely.

3. Coordinate Timing and Communication

Spike timing needs to be tight. If the pursuit unit can’t confirm exact location, speed, and ETA, don’t guess. Miscommunication here can cost a life.

4. Train for the Throw-and-Retreat

Practice the throw—but more importantly, practice immediate retreat to cover. Don’t stand in the open. Don’t freeze. Know your escape route before the strip ever hits the ground.

5. Question If It’s Worth It

If the suspect’s already shown reckless disregard for life, especially in high-speed conditions, weigh the benefit. Sometimes the safest move is to let it ride and pick them up later.

Final Word:

Sergeant Grant Candies was a Marine, a lifesaver, a leader—and he died protecting his team and his community. His death is a tragic reminder that spike deployment isn’t routine. It’s high-risk. And it deserves the same level of planning and caution as any tactical operation.

Let’s honor Sgt. Candies by keeping each other alive.