LoJack® System Helps Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office Recover Stolen Toyota Camry Solara Twice
- September 24, 2018
- Law Enforcement
In September 2018, the owner of a 2000 Toyota Camry Solara contacted the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office to report that his vehicle had been stolen after a guest at his residence took the vehicle in the early morning hours.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office 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 Camry Solara.
After the vehicle was entered into the computer, a Deputy from the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office 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 deputy spotted the stolen Camry traveling down a major highway. The deputy followed the vehicle and requested back-up assistance in case the driver of the vehicle decided not to stop during the initiation of the traffic stop. The Camry Solara pulled into the parking lot of a fast food restaurant and the deputy blocked the vehicle in to prevent a vehicle pursuit. The deputy took the driver into custody and recovered the vehicle. After taking the female driver into custody, it was determined that she was a wanted fugitive with outstanding warrants for Probation Violation, and Larceny. The drive was also charged with Receiving Stolen Goods 3rd and Subsequent Offense which is a 10 year felony charge in relation to the theft of the Toyota Camry Solara. The suspect was charged with the 10 year Felony Enhancement based on her prior convictions of similar offenses. The vehicle was returned to the owner.
Three days after the initial recovery, the owner of the vehicle discovered it missing again, however; this time, it was from his place of employment which is inside the city limits of Spartanburg, SC. The owner contacted the Spartanburg City Public Safety Department, who 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 Camry Solara. Again, after the vehicle was entered into the National Crime Computer, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office tracked the vehicle down with the LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System and located it at a residence known for illicit narcotics activity. The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office recovered the vehicle and turned it over to the owner.
The Deputies could not get an answer at the residence where the vehicle was located.
It should be noted that the female suspect who was arrested during the first recovery was still housed at the Spartanburg County Detention Center when the second theft occurred. Video evidence at the scene of the second theft showed two unidentified males get into the vehicle and drive away from the scene. This case is pending further investigation.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Toyota Camry Solara in March 2000 at Kline Tysons Toyota, Vienna, Va.