LPR Hit Leads to Homicide Suspect Arrest
Person Making Release: Lt Ryan Sullivan
Date and Time of Incident: July 13th, 2024 at 8:18 PM
Type of Incident: Warrant Arrest – Homicide Suspect
Location of Incident: N Thompson St near E Buffalo St, New Buffalo
Agencies Involved:
Berrien County Sheriff’s Office – New Buffalo Township Patrol
Berrien County Sheriff’s Office – Road Patrol
Pokagon Tribal Police Department
New Buffalo Police Department
Arrested Persons:
48 year old female of Northwest Indiana
Narrative:
On Saturday evening, July 13th, Deputy Micah Carlson with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office –New Buffalo Township Patrol, located and apprehended a homicide suspect wanted out of the State of Indiana. This seemingly routine piece of police work was made possible by the
utilization of modern technology, along with traditional law enforcement techniques.
Throughout the history of law enforcement, peace officers have struggled to efficiently share information regarding wanted suspects and their associated criminal activity. This struggle has been especially pronounced for law enforcement agencies along state lines. In response to this challenge, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, like numerous other law enforcement agencies across the country, has partnered with local communities and businesses to purchase and maintain license plate reader cameras along public roadways.
These license plate readers (also known as LPRs) passively monitor vehicles, and will notify patrol deputies if a stolen vehicle or wanted individual is observed. As in Deputy Carlson’s case, this timely information allows deputies to respond promptly, locate and apprehend wanted individuals, and help adjudicate criminal cases.
Good law enforcement begins with civically minded peace officers who know their communities, and work to serve and protect their fellow neighbors. However, modern technology, such as LPRs, has provided a notable supplement to the law enforcement community, and Berrien County as a whole. Timely apprehension of wanted individuals provides timely justice to victims of crime. Furthermore, the efficient transfer of information between law enforcement agencies enhances the safety of the men and women in law enforcement.
The Mission of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is to Enforce the Laws of the State of Michigan and Berrien County, to Safeguard Life and Property, to Prevent and Detect Crime, to Preserve the Peace, and to Protect the Rights of all Citizens. We will Serve all Citizens with Fairness, Integrity, Respect and Compassion without Discrimination of any Persons or Groups.
