Stolen Harley Davidson Motorcyle Recovered by Sacramento Police Using LoJack, 3 Arrested
- February 3, 2013
- recovery stories
On January 12, 2013, the owner of a 2006 Harley Davidson FLH traveled to Sacramento to attend the “Easy Rider” Motorcycle Show. The owner parked his motorcycle on a side street outside the convention center. Three hours later, he went outside to check on his bike and discovered it had been stolen. The victim immediately reported the theft to the Sacramento Police and advised them that his motorcycle was equipped with LoJack. The motorcycle VIN and description were then entered into the state and national vehicle theft databases, which automatically activated the LoJack transponder concealed in the motorcycle.
Minutes later, the Sacramento Police Department’s Helicopter Air 1 began to receive the silent signal from the LoJack secreted in the stolen Harley. Information was relayed to the Sacramento Police auto theft unit who, who was working a special theft detail in conjunction with the show. The detectives, along with Air 1, then tracked and located the Harley parked on a side street approximately a half mile away. Officers set up surveillance on the motorcycle. Approximately an hour later, a black Chevrolet Tahoe drove up to the Harley; an individual exited the vehicle, put on a motorcycle helmet and gloves, got on the Harley and drove away. Officers followed the Harley, while a second group of officers followed the Tahoe.
The officers stopped the Harley two blocks away without issue. The driver was taken into custody and booked for Grand Theft Motorcycle. He is currently on early release parole.
The officers attempted to stop the Tahoe, but the suspect fled, and a lengthy pursuit ensued. With Air 1 overhead and marked units attempting to catch up, the suspects finally stopped the Tahoe, exited the vehicle, and lay prone on the ground awaiting the marked units. These two suspects were arrested and booked for conspiracy to commit grand theft. Both had three felony warrants from the state of Virginia.
The victim’s Harley was impounded to be processed for latent prints and was later released.
The LoJack Vehicle Recovery System was installed in the Harley Davidson motorcycle at Ft. Lauderdale Harley Davidson in April of 2006. The approximate value of the bike is $16,000.