LoJack® System Helps Tucson Police Department Recover Stolen Subaru Legacy
- January 23, 2015
- recovery stories
The owners of a 1998 Subaru Legacy contacted the Tucson Police Department to report that their vehicle had been stolen form a parking lot near the airport. The Subaru was left secured in the paid parking lot while the owner was away.
The police verified the theft and entered the vehicle information into the state and federal crime computers which automatically activated the LoJack® System concealed in the Subaru.
Five minutes later the pilots/deputies in the Pima County Sheriff’s Office helicopter picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen Subaru with the LoJack Police Tracking Computers (PTC) that are installed in patrol vehicles and aircraft. The Tucson police officers and the Pima County SO deputies responded to the area and also picked up the silent LoJack signal. Following the directional and audible cues from the PTC, the officers and deputies tracked the Subaru to a neighborhood near 6th Avenue and Valencia Road in Tucson.
The Subaru was observed parked in a driveway of a residence. The Pima County SO helicopter maintained surveillance on the Subaru while additional units responded. Several subjects were observed getting into the Subaru and leaving the area. A traffic stop was attempted; however, the driver failed to yield and fled the area. The helicopter crew maintained surveillance until the Subaru stopped in another neighborhood where the three occupants bailed out on foot. The Tucson police officers and the Pima County deputies set up a perimeter on the area. All three suspects were taken into custody with the assistance of K-9 and air units. One suspect was treated for a dog bite. During the interviews, the suspects did admit to stealing the Subaru. All three suspects were booked on several felony charges. The Subaru was processed for evidence and later released to the owner in good condition.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Subaru Legacy in November 1998.