MEDFORD, Ore. – Medford Police successfully used advanced vehicle identification technology to track down suspects involved in a shots fired incident on Saturday, February 22. Two arrests were made following the use of in-car video and automatic license plate readers.
According to a statement from the Medford Police Department (MPD), officers responded to reports of gunfire around 11:58 p.m. on the 800 block of Archer Drive. Upon arrival, police found bullet impacts on a home but confirmed no injuries had occurred.
Using vehicle identification tools, officers were able to identify the suspect vehicle as a Chevrolet Impala. The vehicle’s information was entered into the Flock camera technology system, which is supported by over 20 cameras throughout the city. This system immediately alerted officers when the vehicle was detected by a camera.
The breakthrough came on Sunday, February 23, at approximately 2:30 p.m., when Flock cameras flagged the Impala near North Foothills Road and Hillcrest Road. Shortly after, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office located the car near North Foothills Road and Delta Waters Road.
Officers arrested the driver of the Impala, 24-year-old Cameron J. Tinsen of Medford, without incident. In addition, police stopped a second vehicle believed to be traveling with the Impala. The passenger in the second vehicle, a 17-year-old male, attempted to flee but was apprehended. Authorities found him in possession of a rifle and handgun.
Both suspects face multiple charges, including unlawful use of a weapon, reckless endangering, and first-degree attempted assault. Tinsen was lodged in the Jackson County Jail, while the 17-year-old male was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.
The use of vehicle identification technology has raised questions regarding its role in law enforcement, but in this case, it played a critical part in quickly locating and apprehending the suspects. This incident underscores the potential of such systems in enhancing public safety and aiding police efforts to solve crimes swiftly and efficiently.