LoJack® System Helps Arizona Highway Patrol Recover Stolen Ford E350 Van
- May 3, 2016
- recovery stories
The owners of a 2008 Ford E350 (15 passenger) van contacted the Phoenix Police Department to report that their vehicle had been stolen from the church parking lot during the past couple hours.
The Phoenix PD verified the theft and entered the vehicle information into the state and federal crime computers which automatically activated the LoJack® System concealed in the Ford.
One hour later and approximately 120 miles south, troopers from the Arizona Highway Patrol picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen Ford with the LoJack Police Tracking Computers (PTC) that are installed in patrol vehicles and aircraft. Following the directional and audible cues from the PTC, the troopers tracked the vehicle to the Marana/Tucson area on Interstate 10.
The troopers located the stolen Ford travelling south bound on the interstate and followed the vehicle as it exited I-10 at the Ina Road off-ramp. The stolen Ford pulled into a convenience store/gas station and stopped. The troopers then conducted a felony stop on the van and detained the three female occupants. The adult driver and two juvenile passengers were taken into custody without incident. The Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force Detectives responded and interviewed the driver. She advised that she did know the van was stolen and was paid $300 to drive the stolen Ford to Mexico.
The Ford was recovered in good condition with minor damage to the door and ignition. The Ford was impounded for safe keeping.
Thanks to the LoJack® System, the Ford was recovered before entering Mexico. This is the second time the Ford has been stolen and recovered by the use of LoJack.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Ford E350 van in April 2009 by Commercial Sales.