Ferndale, Michigan – James Heflin, a 24-year-old resident of Oak Park, was apprehended by Ferndale police for the robbery of a convenience store, aided by a license plate reader system. The incident occurred at a 7-Eleven located on 1040 W. Nine Mile Rd.

Arrest and Circumstances

Heflin, armed with a knife, entered the store and demanded money from the clerk. However, his attempt was interrupted by a customer, prompting him to flee the scene in a silver SUV. Despite his escape, the police were able to ascertain the vehicle’s make and model, as well as a description of the suspect.

Police Response and Arrest

Utilizing the Flock system, officers received an alert on March 21 when the suspect’s vehicle entered Ferndale. Responding promptly, they conducted a traffic stop and confirmed the driver’s connection to the robbery. Heflin was taken into custody without resistance and has since been charged with armed robbery, with a set bail of $10,000 cash. His court appearance is scheduled for April 4.

Implementation of Flock Safety System

Ferndale recently adopted the Flock Safety license plate reader technology, installing it throughout the city following approval by the council in 2023. These systems are part of a two-year pilot program aimed at enhancing public safety and aiding law enforcement in crime prevention and investigation.

For more details on the placement of these license plate readers in Ferndale, click [here] (insert link to relevant article).

Enhancing Public Safety

The arrest of James Heflin underscores the importance of technological advancements in law enforcement, such as license plate recognition systems like Flock Safety. As cities like Ferndale invest in such technologies, they demonstrate a commitment to bolstering public safety and combating crime within their communities.

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