One can put two together to make them longer.
If no zip ties, not a single one of them had some paracord bracelet or other tacticool doo dad with them? Or even a piece of rope in the car. Tow strap? Jacket?
Easy to Monday morning quarterback. You weren't there, exhausted from a long physical struggle with a huge, powerful, arrest resisting suspect with a known, long, violent, rap sheet, just hoping you can keep the guy restrained long enough for help to arrive.
PS Zip ties, if one knows the technique, can be broken when placed on
the wrist. The ones designed for the wrist, joined together for sufficient length for ankles, would likely be nearly useless on
the ankles of a guy this size and strength, hopped up on drugs.
