Flock Alert Leads to Man’s Arrest, Conviction for Carrying Concealed Firearm, Eluding, Possessing Stolen “Kia Challenge” Vehicle
NORFOLK, Va. – Quan Denzel Haskins, 19, was convicted on Tuesday of receiving stolen goods, eluding Norfolk Police, and carrying a concealed firearm after a Flock notification helped officers catch him driving a stolen “Kia Challenge” car.
On Feb. 12, a woman reported to Norfolk Police that her silver 2016 Hyundai Sonata was stolen after she noticed the car missing from where she last parked outside her residence in the 4600 block of Colley Avenue. Investigators then entered her vehicle’s information to the Flock license plate recognition system.
On Feb. 20, after 2 a.m., officers received a Flock alert that the stolen silver Hyundai was being driven southbound near Tidewater Drive and Lafayette Boulevard. An officer located the vehicle in the 1600 block of O’Keefe Street and turned on the lights and sirens on his marked patrol car, but the driver, Mr. Haskins, began to speed away from the officer. Mr. Haskins continued speeding through the Hunter’s Square residential area, drove eastbound on Princess Anne Road at speeds up to 80 mph for about four miles, and finally stopped on McNeal Avenue. Mr. Haskins ran away from the vehicle, and the officer chased Mr. Haskins until he was able to detain him. During a subsequent search of the stolen Hyundai, officers found a firearm under the driver’s seat. The steering column and ignition of the Hyundai had also been damaged consistent with “Kia Challenge” thefts.
Mr. Haskins was charged with felony receipt of stolen goods (the car), felony eluding, misdemeanor carrying of a concealed firearm, and misdemeanor driving without a license. Mr. Haskins pleaded not guilty to his charges on Tuesday and opted for a trial by judge.
Following his bench trial on Tuesday, Judge Jamilah D. Le Cruise found Mr. Haskins guilty of receiving of stolen goods, eluding, and carrying of a concealed firearm. Mr. Haskins’ sentencing is set for Aug. 2.
“Once again, good police work and a lead from the Flock system allowed the police to stop and arrest the right person at the right time while respecting the privacy and civil rights of other people,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “We will continue to use technology responsibly to hold guilty people accountable.”
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney David A. Johnson is prosecuting Mr. Haskins’ case on behalf of the Commonwealth, and Norfolk Police Investigator Tawny K. Cevora led the investigation.
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