Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) officers recently made multiple arrests and recovered a stolen vehicle by effectively using license plate reader (LPR) technology and drones in three separate incidents across the county.
On June 13, an LPR alert led officers to a vehicle linked to an out-of-state homicide in West Springfield. Following a traffic stop, two suspects were apprehended and charged with possession of burglarious tools and an unlawful communication device. The investigating out-of-state agency was also notified.
In Franconia on August 8, LPR technology identified stolen license plates at a shopping mall. Detectives located the vehicle, which was also found to be stolen. Two masked suspects were arrested after a brief foot pursuit, facing over 45 charges from this and other incidents.
On September 2, an LPR alert for a stolen vehicle in Mount Vernon, which had previously evaded other agencies, prompted a drone deployment from the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). The drone tracked the recklessly driven vehicle, allowing the Auto Crimes Enforcement team to plan a safe stop, leading to the detention of three juveniles.
These cases demonstrate how LPR alerts and drone support can quickly aid officers in solving cases, locating suspects, and recovering stolen property. Officers involved were formally recognized for their actions.