Apr 27, 2007 10:50 pm US/Central
Infrared Technology Helps FWPD Nab Suspects
by Karen Borta
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
Crime fighting technology helped police in Fort Worth put two suspected thieves behind bars.
It was nearly 1 a.m. Friday morning when the crew aboard Air-1, the Fort Worth Police Department's helicopter, reported two people in an SUV using flashlights to check out cars in an east Fort Worth neighborhood.
"Two subjects out of the suspect vehicle, don't know what they're doing. Looks like they're loading things up. I'm not sure."
Police say that the men had broken into a tool box on a pickup truck. Air-1's pilot and officer called for help from nearby squad cars. The chase began.
"Looks like we're going to have a pursuit. Go ahead and call it in."
The chase led police from east Fort Worth, into Arlington, and back into Fort Worth. About 15 minutes later, police were able to spike the tires of the SUV near the intersection of I-30 and Eastchase Parkway.
"Looks like they're bailing here."
Two men then jumped out of the SUV and ran into a heavily wooded area near Randol Mill Road and the west fork of the Trinity River. Once again, the infrared camera on Air-1 was instrumental in tracking down the suspects.
Police arrested 24-year-old Michael Dustin Dean of North Richland Hills and 22-year-old Scott Eric Swartz of Arlington. Authorities believe that the pair may also be responsible for other car break-ins in the area.
Police also say that the SUV was reportedly stolen.
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