LoJack® System Helps Richland County Sheriff’s Department Recover Stolen Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 Motorcycle
- August 5, 2015
- recovery stories
The owner of a 2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 contacted the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to report that their vehicle was stolen. The motorcycle was last secured at the owner’s residence at 1AM. No suspect information or direction of travel was known at the time of theft reporting.
The Richland County SD verified the theft and entered the vehicle information into the state and federal crime computers which automatically activated the LoJack® System concealed in the Kawasaki motorcycle.
A short while later a deputy of the Richland County SD was on the way to a meal break when he picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen Kawasaki with the LoJack Police Tracking Computers (PTC) that are installed in patrol vehicles and aircraft. Following the directional and audible cues from the PTC, deputies tracked the Kawasaki to a residence off Crane Church Road where the motorcycle and a male suspect was seen. Deputies approached the house and a strong odor of marijuana was coming from inside. As the suspect was approached, he attempted to run away. After a short foot chase the suspect was detained while the stolen Kawasaki was identified. Near the motorcycle were other vehicles that were checked for ownership or stolen. Two utility trailers, one loaded with a Toro zero turn lawn mower and the other trailer from Kershaw County government, were all determined to be stolen. An additional Toro zero turn mower was also found to be stolen.
While at the residence, deputies found a dog fighting pit and paraphernalia. Sixteen dogs and eight puppies were found to have signs of neglect and malnourishment. Animal Control transported the dogs away to obtain proper care. As a result the property recovery and evidence found of dog fighting, the suspect was taken into custody. During the securement of the suspect for transport, the suspect kicked and bit a deputy on the arm. The suspect was charged and arrested for receiving stolen goods, resisting arrest, threatening the life of a public official, two counts of animal fighting and baiting, and simple possession of marijuana. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests and charges are possible.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 during May 2007 by Yamaha of Florence in South Carolina.