A New Tool, A New Outcome

In late 2018, when officers with the North Port Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT) responded to a domestic violence call involving a man with access to firearms, they brought more than their training—they brought the BearCat.

The suspect had made serious threats and was believed to be armed, prompting a tactical response. The department’s newly acquired Lenco BearCat allowed officers to approach the home more safely and strategically than ever before.

“The safety of that BearCat, we were able to pull right up in front… It puts the safety of our officers in way better hands than we ever had before.”

– Commander David Cook

Bringing the Mission Closer

Before acquiring the BearCat, the SRT would have had to set up a perimeter from a distance and rely on a PA system to communicate. This would have significantly limited their visibility, response options, and ability to de-escalate. But the BearCat changed everything.

“Having this BearCat, especially out in this open acreage area, allowed our officers to get up close, engage with the individual and get him out peacefully.”

Engineered with heavy-duty steel armor and ballistic glass, the vehicle provided full perimeter protection. It allowed officers to close the distance and communicate directly with the suspect from a position of safety. This strategic proximity was key in defusing the situation.

Visual Presence, Tactical Advantage

Ultimately, the suspect surrendered upon seeing the BearCat. He later told officers that “the proportion of the response” was what made him decide to give up.

That reaction underscores a critical aspect of the BearCat’s design—not only is it a vehicle for rescue and protection, it’s also a visual deterrent. Its presence alone can shift the outcome of a high-risk situation without a single round being fired.

Engineered for Safety, Built for the Mission

Lenco BearCats are engineered for exactly these scenarios. Built on a commercial heavy-duty truck chassis, they combine mobility, protection, and adaptability:

• Ballistic steel armor and multi-hit ballistic glass provide full perimeter protection.
• Run-flat tires ensure continued mobility even after being compromised.
• Roof hatch and side ports offer tactical advantage for visibility and safe engagement.
• Configurable seating and storage allow teams to adapt the vehicle to their mission.

A Vehicle That Protects More Than Officers

In North Port, the BearCat helped ensure that everyone—officers and suspect alike—went home safely.

This incident reflects the BearCat’s true purpose: not just tactical superiority, but a tool for safer outcomes. It protects officers. It protects communities. And, when used to its full potential, it helps bring tense, dangerous situations to peaceful resolution.

Interested in how your agency can acquire a BearCat?

Reach out today at lencoarmor.com/contact

More on the incident here: Herald-Tribune article