SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office used license plate readers to locate a stolen car, arrest a man, and find meth and other items inside.
On Aug. 20, deputies were notified that an automated license plate reader had spotted a reported stolen vehicle in the Millwood area.
SCSO deputies responded, searching the area for a green Jeep Renegade and later located it near Argonne Road and Riverway Avenue.
Officers confirmed the license plate and pulled over Bruce T. Hoyle, 31, who was slow to comply with deputies but was safely detained.
Deputies confirmed the VIN numbers, tracing the Jeep back to being stolen on Aug. 6 near Bowdish and 24th.
The owner of the Jeep was notified and consented to a search of the car. Deputies found a bag of meth, two large bolt cutters, a bottle with a hose attached, a gas can, and a fanny pack containing gloves and other items.
Hoyle had several previous convictions for drug and property crimes.
Deputies arrested Hoyle and booked him into Spokane County Jail.
