Tucumcari, NM – A Massachusetts man was arrested in New Mexico on August 20, 2024, for driving a stolen vehicle. The arrest came after New Mexico State Police utilized an advanced license plate reader system (ALPR) to track the car.
Officers were alerted to the stolen vehicle as it entered New Mexico. The ALPR system detected the vehicle’s plate number and displayed its image. State Police set up on Interstate 40, waiting for the car to approach.
As the stolen vehicle passed, police initiated a felony traffic stop. The driver, identified as 62-year-old Michael Jones, reportedly admitted to stealing the vehicle. Police arrested him without further incident.
Jones was booked into the Quay County Detention Center. He faces charges of receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle.
According to officials, the ALPR system was key to the swift apprehension. It has become a vital tool in combating car theft across state lines. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of such technology in maintaining public safety.
