Flock Camera System helps Vicksburg Police recover stolen truck

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

A counterfeit cashier’s check used in the purchase of a truck led to the recovery of the vehicle and the arrest of a suspect after the Vicksburg Police Department’s license plate reader camera system alerted officers to its location.

According to the Vicksburg Police Department, Officer Fabian Taylor responded Friday to a fraud complaint involving the sale of a vehicle. The victim told officers he had been contacted through Facebook by an individual identifying himself as Joshua Reed, who expressed interest in purchasing the truck.

Police said the two agreed to meet, where the suspect provided the victim with a cashier’s check for $30,000. Believing the check was legitimate, the victim turned over the truck, along with its keys and title.

The victim later attempted to cash the check at Chase Bank and was informed it was counterfeit. The truck was then entered into the department’s Flock License Plate Reader system as a vehicle of interest.

On Saturday, the department’s Flock camera system alerted officers that the vehicle had been detected within the city. Officers quickly located the truck, leading to the arrest of Tevaughntae Rashad Owens.

Vicksburg Police Chief Larry Burns said the case highlights the effectiveness of the department’s Flock camera system.

“This case is another example of how our Flock camera system is helping officers quickly locate vehicles connected to criminal activity,” Burns said. “What could have been a lengthy search was significantly shortened because of the real-time alert generated by the system. These cameras continue to be an important tool in helping us protect our community and support ongoing investigations.”

Police said the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges or suspects could be identified as the case progresses.

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Vicksburg Police Department at 601-636-2511 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the P3 Tips app.