The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office unveiled a new tool Tuesday that uses an adhesive tracking device in an effort to avert high-speed chases.

Five cruisers were recently equipped with the technology that will help locate fleeing cars. Deputies will instead shoot a large dart from their vehicle’s grille and then follow via a global-positioning system.

Sheriff John Tharp held a news conference with the county commissioners to showcase the devices sold by Virginia-based StarChase.

Pursuing a driver at 80 mph can lead to dangerous situations, especially if the chase enters neighborhoods, said Sheriff Tharp.

“We know what happens with high-speed chases. The adrenaline is skyrocketing,” Sheriff Tharp said.

Contrasting road patrol with the chases in a Steve McQueen film, Sheriff Tharp said it would be foolish to ignore modern technology. Multiple agencies will quickly know vehicle's location, he said.

“All we have to do is play it smart, play it safe,” Sheriff Tharp said.

Sheriff Tharp said about 5,000 people nationwide have died since 1979 in such police pursuits. He said he does not believe there is any reason to conduct a dangerous chase for an offense such as a stolen vehicle or minor arrest warrants.

Commissioner Pete Ger-ken also applauded the purchase. Automation is spreading in many fields, he said, and chases featured in films should be avoided in real life.

“The days of Fast and Furious are great on the big screen. They just don’t work on the streets of Toledo and Lucas County,” Mr. Gerken said.

The sheriff’s office bought five launchers for about $4,300 each with cash from the Federal Law Enforcement Trust Fund. Sheriff Tharp said he expects to buy more at a later point.

Contact Ryan Dunn at: rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @rdunnblade.

First Published April 6, 2016, 4:00 a.m.