This disclosure describes a device for obtaining a blood sample from an
intruder at a crime scene to be later analyzed for DNA. A projectile
containing a blood-extracting needle for penetrating the skin of said
intruder is mounted through a protective chamber and connected to a blood
reservoir in the chamber interior. A vacuum is held in both the reservoir
and the chamber. The chamber vacuum is released by forward movement of
the chamber as it slides within a casing following further penetration of
the needle. The vacuum release acts to reduce the ambient pressure within
the forward portion of the casing, thus assisting in propelling the
needle into the intruder. As the needle reaches maximum extension, a
loaded spring within the casing is released, propelling the needle and
reservoir away from the intruder.