Dearborn Police announce charges in arrest made utilizing license plate reader and drone technology

Published Dec. 11, 2024

The Dearborn Police Department announced today charges in the arrest of a suspect in possession of a stolen vehicle detected and apprehended by officers utilizing license plate capture and drone technology.

In the early morning hours of Dec. 9, 2024, Dearborn Police Officers patrol detected a stolen vehicle using one of its FLOCK license plate reading cameras in the area of Brady and Cherry Hill St.

Dearborn Night Shift and Special Operations Officers responded to the location to search for the vehicle and the suspect. Upon arrival, officers deployed a night vision-equipped drone which helped locate the suspect in the dark. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody.

After an investigation, officers also learned that the suspect had been attempting to open car doors in the Country Club neighborhood in the city's Westend.

On Dec. 10, 2024, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office charged Avion Johnson with Receiving and Concealing-Motor Vehicle. Johnson was arraigned in the 19th District Court in front of Honorable Judge Sam Salamey and ordered a $5000 bond at 10%.

Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin stated, “We are fortunate to utilize an array of advanced technology, including license plate cameras and drones, to assist in our daily efforts to locate suspects and bring them to justice. This incident highlights the coordination and collaboration between our officers and technical teams in keeping our neighborhoods safe.”
 

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