HPD uses technology to arrest fugitive, capture kidnapping suspect in separate cases
Published on February 24, 2026
License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology helped the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) quickly arrest a violent fugitive and capture a kidnapping suspect in two unrelated investigations last week, leading to the safe recovery of a missing 16-year-old.
On Monday, Feb. 16, around 4:30 p.m., HPD’s Patrol Division and the North Alabama Multi-Agency Crime Center (NAMACC) were alerted to a fugitive wanted in Atlanta for a violent felony. Investigators identified a vehicle associated with the suspect and entered the license plate into the LPR system.
With assistance from NAMACC Guardian Network Operators, officers confirmed the vehicle was in Huntsville. Within three hours, the suspect was located and arrested without incident.
On Wednesday, Feb. 19, around 10:30 a.m., NAMACC was notified of a missing 16-year-old from Kentucky believed to be traveling with a man wanted by Logan County, Kentucky. Law enforcement sought the man in connection with the juvenile’s case on charges including kidnapping, interference with child custody and unlawful acts with a minor.
License plate data indicated that the vehicle had recently been in Huntsville and, at the moment, was traveling toward Madison County. That information was immediately shared with the Ardmore Police Department, which located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Officers later learned the juvenile had been left at a business in the 3800 block of University Drive. Just over an hour of the initial alert, the teen was located safely, and arrangements began for her return home.
“When time matters most, having the right tools in place allows our officers to act quickly and protect lives,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “These cases show how technology, combined with strong police work and partnerships, is helping us deliver real results for our community.”
HPD works closely with local, state and federal partners, recognizing that criminal activity often crosses jurisdictional boundaries. The department remains committed to using technology responsibly while strengthening partnerships that enhance public safety.