Investigation using car theft prevention software leads to chase, arrest and seizure of weapons in Portland

PORTLAND, Oregon (COIN) — Police made an arrest and seized weapons after using GPS-based vehicle tracking software to track a suspect and launch a chase.

According to the Portland Police Bureau, officers responded Tuesday after a vehicle equipped with software called LoJack alerted them to its theft. Police said the 2004 Volkswagen Tiguan was “stolen from the owner’s driveway in Wilsonville and reported to Wilsonville Police” early that morning.

One of the suspects, 23-year-old Ahmed Kassim, was eventually arrested. He is accused not only of car theft, but also of fleeing from the police, recklessly endangering others and illegal possession of weapons.

This all happened after LoJack led police to the car at a North Portland apartment. However, as they were on their way to the car, “several suspects entered the vehicle and drove away,” police said. Although the software in the car was still active, officers continued to track the car as it drove throughout the city, eventually deploying “stop sticks.” Although they managed to deflate the car’s tires, it continued to elude police and drove away in Southeast Portland after officers deployed blue lights and sirens.

After the abandoned vehicle was eventually found near Glenwood Park, police began searching for suspects. They locked the vehicle and deployed tracking dogs. The driver was found by the K9 team in a yard a few blocks away. Police seized three firearms, one of which was reported stolen.

“In cases of gun violence, stolen vehicles are often used to conduct shootings, transport firearms or carry out retaliatory strikes,” PPB said in a news release. “The successful arrest of a dangerous suspect underscores the importance of disrupting illegal activity and preventing further crime, ultimately increasing the public safety of our community.”

Kassim, who is currently in custody, also had three arrest warrants for previous charges. Although police said there were “multiple suspects” who occupied the car at one point, it is unclear if there are any other suspects being sought in connection with Tuesday’s vehicle theft investigation.