MONTEREY PARK - Deputies recently used a new GeoTag computer system to retrieve narcotics evidence allegedly thrown from a suspect's car during a pursuit in the Lancaster area, authorities said today. | POLICE NEWS
The technology allows deputies to easily "tag" a geographical location, using the mobile digital computer system in their patrol cars, said sheriff's Capt. Scott Edson of the Communications and Fleet Management Bureau, which implemented the technology.
"Without GeoTagging, when deputies are engaged in the tough job of a pursuit, they have to explain over the radio to assisting deputies the approximate location where they can find tossed evidence," Edson said.
"Often, the description narrows the area to about one-eighth of a mile, but it might take a search party to find it. Now, with GeoTagging, a deputy with the in-car GeoTagged map goes right to the pinpointed spot."
The system was used about 11 a.m. on Dec. 9, when deputies patrolling in the Lancaster area saw a 2010 Scion being driven in a reckless manner, Edson said. They tried to stop the motorist, but the vehicle sped off.
During the chase, the driver threw some plastic baggies containing a white powder out of the vehicle, and the deputies used the new computer system to GeoTag the four exact locations where the evidence had been thrown by simply pushing a button on their computer, Edson said.
Other deputies went to those location and recovered several baggies containing methamphetamine, Edson said.
Deputies eventually stopped the Scion and arrested Mohammed Kadri, 35, of Lancaster. He was booked on suspicion of various offenses, including felony evading arrest and possession of a controlled substance.