Investigation using anti-car theft software leads to chase, arrest and guns seized
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Police made an arrest and seized guns after GPS-enabled software that tracks cars led them to a suspect and subsequent chase.
According to the Portland Police Bureau, officers responded on Tuesday after a vehicle equipped with the software, called LoJack, notified them that it had been stolen. Police said the 2004 Volkswagon Tiguan was stolen in the early morning “from the owner’s driveway in Wilsonville and reported to Wilsonville Police.”
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A suspect, 23-year-old Ahmed Kassim, was eventually arrested and stands accused of not only stealing the car but eluding police, recklessly endangering others, and illegally possessing firearms, among other charges.
This all comes after LoJack led police to the car at an apartment in North Portland. However, when they were on the way to the car, “multiple suspects entered the vehicle and drove off,” police said. Even still, with the software still up and running in the car, officers continued tracking the car as it drove all around the city, eventually deploying “stop sticks.” Though they successfully deflated the car’s tires, it continued to elude police, driving off in Southeast Portland after officers used lights and sirens.
A stolen vehicle investigation led to one arrest and multiple guns seized. July 19, 2024 (courtesy Portland Police Bureau). A stolen vehicle investigation led to one arrest and multiple guns seized. July 19, 2024 (courtesy Portland Police Bureau).
After eventually finding the vehicle, abandoned, near Glenwood Park, a police search commenced to find any suspects by way of forming a perimeter and utilizing dog trackers. The driver was found by the K9 team a few blocks away in someone’s yard. Police seized three firearms, one of which was reported stolen.
“Gun violence frequently involves the use of stolen vehicles to conduct shootings, transport firearms, or carry out retaliatory attacks,” PPB said in a release. “This successful apprehension of a dangerous suspect highlights the importance of disrupting illegal activity and preventing further crimes, ultimately enhancing public safety for our community.”
Kassim, who is now in custody, also had three active warrants for previous charges. Though police mentioned “multiple suspects” occupying the car at one point, it’s unclear if any other suspects are being sought in connection to Tuesday’s stolen vehicle investigation.
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