By: Sachet A. Sullivan
The Cedar City Police Department made their first arrest using the cities newly implemented Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system earlier this week.
Jayme Lynn Patterson, 47, was arrested on Monday afternoon in connection with a string of burglaries at businesses in Cedar City. The investigation relied heavily on the new ALPR technology.
Patterson, who faces a range of charges including burglary, theft, and property damage, is accused of committing a series of crimes across Cedar City.
The ALPR system, which was recently introduced to enhance law enforcement capabilities, played a key role in identifying Patterson and tracking his movements between crime scenes.
According to court documents filed in 5th District Court, the investigation began with a burglary at IHOP on Monday afternoon, where Patterson allegedly broke into the restaurant, stole a safe, and caused significant damage.
During the search, investigators reportedly discovered shoes that matched prints found near the crime scene.
The breakthrough in the investigation occurred when the ALPR system captured Patterson’s vehicle near the restaurant at the time of the burglary.
Patterson was also connected to a burglary at Pawn Plus on the Friday prior to his arrest. Security footage reportedly showed a man matching Patterson’s description stealing rifles and laptops. The stolen rifles were later found discarded near I-15, and two laptops were recovered from a nearby apartment. ALPR data once again indicated Patterson’s involvement, showing his vehicle near the scene of the crime.
The most recent burglary occurred in the early hours of Monday morning at the Tropical Smoothie located on the south end of town. Surveillance footage reportedly captured a vehicle matching Patterson’s, driving to and from the scene.
Court records indicate that the ALPR system captured Patterson’s 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis passing an intersection near the business shortly after the crime, helping investigators solidify the connection.
When Patterson was arrested, a search of his vehicle reportedly revealed multiple burglary tools, including crowbars and a cordless grinder. Investigators also found a black coat with broken glass fragments and a baseball cap matching the one worn by the suspect in surveillance videos.
Patterson, who is on felony probation for a previous burglary conviction, is now facing multiple charges including seven third-degree felonies for burglary, theft and property damage as well as two class A misdemeanors for property damage and a class B misdemeanor for possession of burglary tools. Due to his history, the theft charges were enhanced.
This arrest marks the first time Cedar City police have utilized the new ALPR system in an active investigation. The technology, which automatically scans license plates and tracks vehicles, is now part of the department’s newest efforts to support law enforcement operations.
During the program’s 90-day trial period, Cedar City’s police department is evaluating the impact of ALPR technology in their investigations while addressing community concerns regarding their expectation of privacy.
INDIVIDUALS LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO IRON COUNTY JAIL AND ARE ACCUSED OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMES BUT ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
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