Ferry license plate camera nets first arrest

Published 10:29 am Friday, April 10, 2009

A ferry terminal license plate camera system has aided police in the recovery of a stolen car and the arrest of two individuals with warrants.

It is the first arrest made using the Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system that was installed at the Bainbridge ferry terminal in July 2008.

The system was triggered yesterday afternoon when a stolen 2005 Kia Amante arrived at the Bainbridge ferry terminal, according to a Washington State Patrol press release.

Bainbridge police responded and detained a 42-year-old female and a 41-year-old male who were in the car, according to Bainbridge Police Lt. Sue Shultz.

Both were found to have warrants out for their arrests.

The female driver had a no bail warrant from Kelso for driving with a suspended license.

The male had a $5,000 felony warrant out of Seattle for a narcotic violation. He was also wanted since May 2008 for an escape from community custody, the press release said.

Both occupants have been booked by WSP into the Kitsap County Jail for possession of stolen property and warrants. The male passenger is also under investigation for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

The ALPR system searches for felony warrants, stolen vehicles, AMBER Alerts and terrorist watch lists.