Rockford Police use GPS launchers to track suspect after two escapes

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police used its new GPS tracking launchers to apprehend a suspect who fled from officers on two occasions.

Around 10:05 p.m., police said officers with the Specialized Community Oriented Policing Enforcement (SCOPE) team spotted a vehicle that had previously fled from them. When they attempted to pull the driver over, he again sped away.

This time, officers were able to use the department’s newest technology, the StarChase system, which uses vehicle-mounted GPS launchers to attach a tracking device to the offender’s car during a pursuit.

Police said “stop sticks,” devices thrown in the path of an escaping vehicle to deflate its tires, were also used.

The car was tracked to the 2700 block of Kinsey Street.

Officers used a K9 to find the suspect, 28-year-old Nelson Brown, in the 2700 block of Hanson Street.

Brown now faces charges of Aggravated Fleeing to Elude, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cannabis, and Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked Driver’s License.