Lang
8/17/24
A license plate reader used by University Heights Police has led to the arrest of a Cedar Rapids man they say was found driving an SUV stolen out of Texas.
According to arrest records, just before 7:00 Thursday night the automatic license plate reader hit on a vehicle on Melrose Avenue near Finkbine golf course. An officer caught up with the vehicle in question, a 2024 Volkswagen Taos, heading eastbound on the 800 block of Melrose Avenue. The officer confirmed the vehicle had been stolen from Texas, and a traffic stop was initiated on South Grand Avenue.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Traveon Johnson of Dunham Drive SW, was arrested and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Owner’s Consent. If convicted, he faces a maximum of two years in jail. He’s also being held on a warrant from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana.
The license plate reader is similar to ones recently approved by the City of North Liberty.