08/26/2026
On July 16, 2026, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office responded to a theft in Linwood Township. An elderly resident was tricked into paying $14,000 for driveway work that was never completed. While the suspect walked the victim to the back of the property, an accomplice went into the home and stole the items inside the victim’s safe. This was a painful and upsetting experience for the victim and his family.
After the family shared what happened on Facebook, neighbors sent in photos of a vehicle linked to a man offering driveway sealing around that time. Deputies used Flock Safety license plate readers to clearly identify and locate the vehicle in the photos. This helped confirm the vehicle and its plate number. Another software tool was then used by deputies to find out who the vehicle was registered to. Based on the license plate reader data, deputies learned that the suspect’s vehicle had likely already left Minnesota.
A few weeks later, investigators used the same system to legally track the suspect. With a warrant and this information, deputies found the suspect in Andover, Minnesota. He was arrested without incident. The investigation into the second suspect is still ongoing.
This case shows how damaging scams like this can be, especially to vulnerable residents. It also demonstrates how important modern technology is for public safety. Tools like license plate readers give deputies timely and accurate information. This powerful information helps solve crimes faster and hold criminals accountable.
