Kauai Police Recover Stolen Truck With Plate Reader, Arrest Wailua Man

The Kauai Police Department's Automated License Plate Reader system matched fraudulent novelty plates on a truck Thursday morning, Oct. 29, and directed officers to the vehicle's possible location in Lihue. Detectives coordinated with patrol officers on the search, and the truck was recovered without incident.

KPD said the truck had been reported stolen on Oct. 15. Its original license plates were replaced with novelty plates carrying fraudulent markings. The plate reading system identified the match and alerted officers, providing information used to narrow the search area.

Officers arrested a 46-year-old Wailua man on suspicion of Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, along with an outstanding bench warrant. KPD also reported seizing a second vehicle after suspected narcotics were identified inside it.

The Kauai Police Department recently introduced automated license plate reader technology as part of upgrades to its equipment. The department has asked the public to include license plate numbers, make, model, color, and other distinguishing features when reporting vehicle-related crimes.

The department's public guidance on reporting vehicle theft lists the same categories of detail it says help with investigations: plate numbers, vehicle make, model, color, and other distinguishing features. KPD did not release the name of the man arrested on Thursday.