LoJack® System in BMW 650i assists Pierce County Sheriff’s Department with Recovery & Arrest
- November 16, 2018
- Law Enforcement
The owner of a 2007 BMW 650i realized he mistakenly left his keys and wallet inside his vehicle when on his break. Just as he was exiting the building to retrieve them, the BMW was leaving the parking lot being driven by an unknown male in a stocking hat. The owner called the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department to report the theft. The theft was verified and the BMW was entered as stolen into the state and federal crime computers. This automatically activated the LoJack® System concealed in the vehicle.
A Deputy with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department who responded to the victims work location for the theft report had been inside the business to obtain the necessary information. As she re-entered her patrol vehicle she was immediately receiving a LoJack hit on her Police Tracking Computer (PTC) that are installed in patrol vehicles and aircraft. The deputy announced the LoJack activation to other deputies in the area and verified the signal was being emitted from the recently stolen BMW. Utilizing the audible and visual signals of his LoJack® PTC, an assisting deputy was able to locate the BMW being driven by the suspects. The suspects eluded the deputy for a short period of time. Continuing to follow the audible and visual signals of the LoJack® PTC, deputies were able to locate the BMW in the driveway of a residence on Meridian Street East, Puyallup WA. The vehicle was unoccupied but a witness saw two males run from the vehicle. One suspect was located and detained inside a local business. A show up was conducted with the witness who saw the suspect flee the vehicle and positive identification was confirmed. Search incident to arrest revealed the suspect was in possession of the victim’s wallet, further validating his role in the theft. The suspect was arrested and booked on multiple charges including Theft of Motor Vehicle. The BMW and wallet were returned to a very happy owner.
The LoJack® System was installed in the BMW 650i in June of 2007, by BMW of San Diego.