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06-20-09, 05:11 PM
Tracking device leads Palm Bay police to suspected motorcycle thief
PALM BAY -- A suspected motorcycle thief picked the wrong victim when the 2007 model Honda CBR-1000 RR he stole was rigged with a LoJack that led police right to him.
Just before 7:30 a.m. Friday the victim called police to report someone had stolen his motorcycle from outside his apartment located at 220 Interchange #103. The victim told police the bike was equipped with the LoJack system, a small radio frequency transceiver hidden on the vehicle. The device has a unique code that is tied to the vehicle identification number (VIN). When a vehicle theft is reported to the police, a routine entry into the state police crime computer results in a match which automatically triggers the device to send an inaudible signal that can be tracked by law enforcement.
In this case the signal directed officers to a home at 225 Consolata Street NW.
Patrol officers responded to the location and attempted to contact persons inside. The door was slightly ajar and damaged indicating a possible burglary. Officers repeatedly announced their presence and asked if anyone was inside but received no answer. Neighbors subsequently reported seeing a suspicious person on the same property walking around just prior to police response.
Fearing a possible burglary in progress or the possibility the homeowner may have been hurt or injured inside, officers entered the home.
Officers located the homeowner, identified as David Matteson, 27. Matteson was found sleeping on his bed next to a loaded 12-gauge shotgun. There were other loaded weapons in close proximity.
Officers immediately secured Matteson and also discovered evidence in plain view involving what appeared to be a small marijuana grow operation. The stolen motorcycle was also located in the backyard secured in a covered trailer.
Matteson was placed under arrest and faces charges of cultivation of marijuana and grand theft of a motorcycle. Additional charges are pending, including possible weapons charges. Officers secured the residence and obtained a search warrant to conduct further investigation.
Tracking device leads Palm Bay police to suspected motorcycle thief | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY (http://floridatoday.com/article/20090620/BREAKINGNEWS/90620002/1086/Tracking+device+leads+Palm+Bay+police+to+suspected +motorcycle+thief)
PALM BAY -- A suspected motorcycle thief picked the wrong victim when the 2007 model Honda CBR-1000 RR he stole was rigged with a LoJack that led police right to him.
Just before 7:30 a.m. Friday the victim called police to report someone had stolen his motorcycle from outside his apartment located at 220 Interchange #103. The victim told police the bike was equipped with the LoJack system, a small radio frequency transceiver hidden on the vehicle. The device has a unique code that is tied to the vehicle identification number (VIN). When a vehicle theft is reported to the police, a routine entry into the state police crime computer results in a match which automatically triggers the device to send an inaudible signal that can be tracked by law enforcement.
In this case the signal directed officers to a home at 225 Consolata Street NW.
Patrol officers responded to the location and attempted to contact persons inside. The door was slightly ajar and damaged indicating a possible burglary. Officers repeatedly announced their presence and asked if anyone was inside but received no answer. Neighbors subsequently reported seeing a suspicious person on the same property walking around just prior to police response.
Fearing a possible burglary in progress or the possibility the homeowner may have been hurt or injured inside, officers entered the home.
Officers located the homeowner, identified as David Matteson, 27. Matteson was found sleeping on his bed next to a loaded 12-gauge shotgun. There were other loaded weapons in close proximity.
Officers immediately secured Matteson and also discovered evidence in plain view involving what appeared to be a small marijuana grow operation. The stolen motorcycle was also located in the backyard secured in a covered trailer.
Matteson was placed under arrest and faces charges of cultivation of marijuana and grand theft of a motorcycle. Additional charges are pending, including possible weapons charges. Officers secured the residence and obtained a search warrant to conduct further investigation.
Tracking device leads Palm Bay police to suspected motorcycle thief | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY (http://floridatoday.com/article/20090620/BREAKINGNEWS/90620002/1086/Tracking+device+leads+Palm+Bay+police+to+suspected +motorcycle+thief)