Automatic License Plate Readers Help LPD Apprehend Suspect

Last week the Laurens Police Department (LPD) began installing 25 Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) to help them solve crimes. You can read more about them by clicking HERE.

Days after the installation process began and with less than  30% of the new ALPR installed, the cameras were instrumental in the apprehension of a suspect when they got a hit on a stolen car.

The suspect was taken into custody and was at the hospital where he was being checked out for injuries when he assaulted an officer and fled on foot. LPD with the assistance of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton PD and SLED conducted a manhunt. After a 6 hour manhunt, the suspect was apprehended following a foot pursuit and brief altercation.

The ALPR system and all of our law enforcement agencies worked together to bring a positive conclusion to the situation.

“I want to thank the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, SC Highway Patrol, and Clinton PD for their assistance, as well as the SLED Tracking and Aviation Units for their support, said Laurens Police Chief Grounsell. “The suspect had active felony warrants and was in a stolen vehicle, which is why he initially failed to stop for blue lights and resisted arrest. This is just one example of how the ALPR cameras will be of assistance to us.”

It’s also worth noting that the next day another stolen car was recovered with a gun and drugs when the suspect was taken into custody after an LPR alert.