License Plate Reader Detects Stolen Vehicle, Leading to 5 Arrests
Photo: stolen car recovered
BRENTWOOD — Surveillance cameras deployed on Brentwood city streets spoiled President’s Day for a group of visiting out-of-towners. They were caught driving around in a stolen vehicle while apparently doing some nefarious shopping.
An alert popped up on a Brentwood police computer screen on February 17 at 11:30 a.m. Automated cameras used for law enforcement detected a vehicle reported stolen. The system matches photographs of license plates with data stored in crime databases.
Police responding to the alert from an automated license plate reader ended up making five arrests. Inside the hot vehicle officers also found illicit drugs and stolen retail merchandise.
The three woman and two men, all residents of Stockton, were subsequently taken into custody —
• Kamiliah R. Edmon, 32
• Makiala Mitchell, 30
• Kenia Woodward, 35
• Robert Gaines, 33
• Joshua Longerbeam, 23
Officers searched the stolen vehicle. Evidence recovered from inside included various illicit drugs and merchandise stolen from a Victoria’s Secret store.
The five suspects face a variety of open charges such as vehicle theft, conspiracy to commit crime and shoplifting. Additional charges include possession of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The vehicle was later returned to its rightful owner who reported it was in good shape. Notwithstanding, the vehicle had been driven more than 1,000 miles since being reported stolen.
The investigation remains open. Police are still working to determine whether the five suspects are involved with other reported and unsolved crimes.
