LoJack System Helps Columbus Police Department Recover Stolen Toyota Camry
- December 27, 2017
- recovery stories
The owners of a Toyota Camry contacted the Columbus Police Department to report that their vehicle was stolen. Victims stated they were exiting their Toyota when unknown males approached them, pointed a firearm at them and ordered them to turn over the keys to the vehicle. Victims complied and the suspects entered the Toyota and sped off.
The Columbus 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 Toyota.
A short while later detectives from the Columbus PD Auto Theft Unit picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen Toyota 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 detectives determined that the Toyota was mobile. Working together they located the stolen Toyota and attempted to perform a felony stop. The operator did not comply and fled. After a short pursuit the stolen Toyota was stopped.
The operator and two occupants attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended. While conducting a search of the Toyota prior to being impounded the detectives found a loaded firearm in the glove box. The stolen Toyota was impounded for processing and later returned to the owner. The firearm was confiscated as evidence. The suspects are being investigated for additional armed robberies in Columbus. Indictments are pending further investigation by the Columbus PD Auto Theft Unit.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Toyota Camry in November 1998 at Autoland Springfield in New Jersey.