LoJack Aids LASD Deputies in Capturing Armed Car Jacker Hiding in Trailer Park
- August 31, 2012
- recovery stories
On August 3, 2012, the owners of a 2008 Nissan Maxima contacted Los Angeles Sheriff Temple Station deputies to report that a “male suspect armed with a 9 MM handgun” had “car jacked” their vehicle and fled. Temple deputies verified the theft and entered the Nissan’s information into the state and federal crime computers, which automatically activated the LoJack transponder concealed in the vehicle.
Within minutes of activation, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputies in the city of Cudahy picked up the Nissan’s silent LoJack signal on the LoJack Police Tracking Computers installed in their vehicles. The deputies requested LASD Air Support and backup from any assisting deputies in the area. While the deputy was sitting at the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Atlantic Boulevard waiting for the light to change, she observed the stolen Nissan drive right by her. After confirming the license plate number, the deputy followed the Nissan into a trailer park. The deputy saw the driver stop, bend over and reach beneath the seat, and flee on foot.
Responding deputies – including Canine – sealed off the trailer park and began a search for the suspect. The suspect apparently entered a mobile home via a screened window and was inside when a female resident saw him in her living room. The suspect told the woman and her husband that he was being chased by the police, and offered cash to hide him. The husband pretended to agree and directed the suspect to the rear bedroom and whispered to his to his wife to leave the home and inform the police of the suspect in their home.
Minutes later, the mobile home was surrounded, and a canine was sent into the location. The suspect was found hiding in the shower; however, because he refused to cooperate with deputies, the canine was sent in to convince him to surrender. The suspect was then taken into custody, treated at a hospital, and released to Temple deputies for further investigation. The suspect was booked for Armed Car Jack and Burglary. The 9 MM Semi Automatic handgun was found under the driver’s seat by assisting deputies.
The LoJack Vehicle Recovery System was installed in the Nissan Maxima, valued at $13,000, at Power Nissan in November of 2007.