As reported by the Associated Press last week, GM's OnStar vehicle slowdown feature was used for the first time to disable a sport utility vehicle that had been carjacked at gunpoint in Visalia California, preventing a potentially life threatening high police speed pursuit from ever really getting started.

It all began when Jose Ruiz and his cousin of Lindsay California were carjacked at 3am by a man wielding a sawed-off shotgun. The 21 year old thief took Jose's 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe and sped off into the night. Ruiz contacted the police who then in turn contacted OnStar and located the stolen vehicle. As officers moved in, the vehicle sped off at high rate of speed. The Officers followed suit in what would become one of the world's "shortest police chases". Just as quickly as it had begun, it was over. OnStar informed the Police Dispatchers and the pursuing officer's that they were going to disable the Tahoe remotely. The action on the Tahoe was quickly initiated, the Tahoe rolled to a halt and the carjacker was quickly captured ....the chase was over and the Visalia Police were amazed.

OnStar President Walt Dorfstatter said that it took only 16 minutes from the time OnStar was notified for the vehicle to be stopped.

Currently the vehicle slowdown feature is only available on 18 of the 30 models equipped with OnStar. GM hopes to expand it to the entire lineup over the next few years, as each model is updated.

The ramifications of this technology are astounding, as most police chases often end with horrific crashes and multiple related deaths, with GM's OnStar vehicle slowdown technology, these chases can be prevented right from the onset offering up a very different and much safer outcome for everyone involved.

I bet it won't be long, before OnStar can initiate the "autonomous return car to owner - lock all doors - override snap sequence". The carjackers expression when they realize what's happening ...priceless.