LoJack Helps CHP Recover Stolen Scion TC — K9 Officers Locate 2 Suspects Hiding, Both Arrested
- October 5, 2012
- recovery stories
On September 13, 2012, the owner of a 2007 Scion TC contacted the Ontario Police Department to report his vehicle stolen. Ontario Police verified the theft and entered the vehicle information into the state and federal crime computers, which automatically activated the LoJack transponder concealed in the Scion.
A short while later, an investigator from the California Highway Patrol from Los Angeles ISU was traveling westbound on the I-10 Freeway when he picked up the Scion’s silent LoJack homing signal on the Police Tracking Computer installed in his patrol vehicle. Following the directional and signal strength cues on the LoJack computer, the investigator tracked and located the vehicle in a large apartment complex in the 800 block of North Center Street.
As he drove onto the property in his unmarked police vehicle, the investigator located the stolen Scion, parked beside another vehicle. Moments later, he saw a woman enter the vehicle next to the Scion and two men in the Scion sit up from a reclined position. The investigator maintained surveillance on the vehicle as he waited until assisting units from CHP Rancho Cucamonga and the Ontario Police Department, including air support, arrived in the area. Before backup could arrive, however, the vehicle began to back up; the investigator attempted unsuccessfully to detain the two individuals. The vehicle, tires squealing, sped off from the parking lot. As the Scion turned the corner, the passenger jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot. The investigator caught up with the vehicle, and observed the driver also fleeing the vehicle on foot.
When backup units arrived, they searched the area using two K9 officers and their partners. An officer with the Ontario Police Department located one suspect, hiding in the bushes. A short while later, canines named “Kess” and “Hero” located the second suspect, hiding inside a dumpster. He was detained without further incident, and transported to the California Highway Patrol office for questioning. Assisting investigators interviewed the two suspects and booked both for Driving Without Owner’s Consent and Obstruction or Resisting a Peace Officer.
The undamaged vehicle, valued at $11, 825, was later released to the owner. The LoJack Vehicle Recovery System was installed in the Scion TC on June 12, 2006 at Claremont Toyota.