Kearney Police Department
Kearney, Neb. - On Sunday, December 1, 2024, at approximately 6:20 PM, Kearney Police Department (KPD) officers responded to a report of a stolen pickup truck from the area of 1807 University Drive. The vehicle owner informed officers that his girlfriend had seen the pickup driving around town shortly before reporting it stolen. After confirming the truck was missing, KPD officers immediately entered the vehicle’s description and license plate information into the Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system.
The ALPR cameras promptly detected the stolen vehicle moving through various areas in Kearney. Using this information, KPD officers narrowed down the likely location of the vehicle. Officers successfully located the stolen truck and conducted a traffic stop, recovering the stolen vehicle and returning the property to its owner within hours of the theft.
The driver and sole occupant, identified as Joel Jones, a 39-year-old male from Kearney, was arrested without incident. Jones was transported to the Buffalo County Jail and charged with felony Theft by Unlawful Taking (over $5,000) and Possession of Burglary Tools.
Further investigation revealed that Jones’ own vehicle was parked about a block away from where the stolen pickup was taken. Officers from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) Police Department assisted KPD in locating Jones’ vehicle.
The Kearney Police Department recognizes the vital role that ALPR Cameras played in this case. The timely and accurate information provided by the system significantly contributed to the recovery of the stolen vehicle and the apprehension of the suspect. KPD also extends its gratitude to the UNK Police Department for their collaboration in ensuring the safety of our community.
This incident highlights the value of the responsible use of technology and inter-agency cooperation in protecting the citizens of Kearney. The Kearney Police Department remains committed to utilizing all available resources to maintain public safety and swiftly resolve criminal activity.