Related: Florida Juveniles Break Into 11 Patrol Cars, Raising Security Concerns
Ohio PD Installs Anti-Theft Devices Following Patrol Car Theft
The Middletown Police Department is installing anti-theft devices on its fleet of vehicles after a man stole a police cruiser and intentionally crashed it into another patrol vehicle.
March 7, 2019
Photo via Twitter/Chief R. Muterspaw
1 min to read
Last night we had an ambush type situation. Suspect hid in bushes & approached with a knife. Tased, but jumped in cruiser while Officer at rear of car. Rammed another cruiser intentionally. Stay safe my friends. This worlds crazy. @OhioGoingBlue#Middletownpic.twitter.com/QWinamgYjl
— Chief R. Muterspaw (@chiefmuterspaw) February 28, 2019
The Middletown (Ohio) Police Department is installing anti-theft devices on its fleet of vehicles following an incident where a man allegedly stole a police cruiser while being questioned by an officer and intentionally crashed it into the patrol vehicle of another officer, the Journal-News reported. Both vehicles, 2018 Ford PI Utility vehicles, were severely damaged.
When officers leave their vehicles, they will be able to activate an anti-theft mechanism that will lock the transmission. The vehicle cannot be driven until the hidden button is activated.
Chief Rodney Muterspaw called it an “ambush type situation” on Twitter and added that the man jumped in the cruiser while the officer was at the rear of the car.
The man has been charged, and bond has been set for $1 million for the Feb. 28 incident, WHIO reported.
More Police
RTA Fleet Introduces AI Assistant for Fleet360 Platform
As artificial intelligence continues to gain traction across public-sector operations, fleet software providers are finding new ways to incorporate the technology into everyday workflows. RTA's latest addition aims to simplify how users interact with fleet data.
Read More →
2026 Police Fleet Innovators Named
Meet the professionals finding new ways to solve some of law enforcement's toughest fleet challenges.
Read More →
Rynse Expands Nationwide Fleet Wash Access for Law Enforcement
The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Contract Cooperative purchasing contract aims to streamline procurement process for law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
Read More →
Maryland Natural Resources Police Adds 31-Foot Patrol Boat to Enforcement Fleet
A new addition to Maryland’s marine enforcement fleet is bringing expanded capabilities to Chesapeake Bay operations while honoring a legacy within the agency. The high-performance patrol vessel reflects how law enforcement fleets are adapting to growing demands on the water.
Read More →
LEHR Expands Florida Presence With Enforcement One Acquisition
LEHR has acquired Florida-based emergency vehicle upfitter Enforcement One, marking its eighth add-on acquisition.
Read More →
NYC Surpasses 1,000 EVs in Police Fleet
New York City now has the largest EV law enforcement fleet in North America, according to the city.
Read More →
Mooresville Police Department Launches Drone First Responder Program
The Mooresville Police Department has launched a Drone First Responder program, using drones to provide real-time aerial support and faster situational awareness during emergency calls.
Read More →
Culpeper Police Begin Rollout of New Patrol Car Fleet Design
The Culpeper Police Department has unveiled a new fleet design inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains, selected through a department-wide process involving both sworn and civilian staff.
Read More →
City of Powell Uses Fleet Data Analysis to Reduce Vehicle Replacement Costs
Powell, Ohio, is using fleet data and lifecycle analysis to guide police vehicle purchases and replacement timing, a strategy expected to save the city nearly $400,000 over five years.
Read More →
Addressing Fueling Failures to Reduce Operational Risks
Working to eliminate errors and challenges and increase reliability during fueling, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has implemented RoadFlex for its 37-vehicle patrol fleet.
Read More →