License plate reader helps locate man who removed pre-trial ankle monitor

Eugene Police's license plate reader system helped locate a man after a call involving a domestic violence suspect who removed his pre-trial ankle monitor.

At 11:35 p.m. on September 2, an anonymous caller advised 45-year-old Jonathon Brian Kelly had cut off his pre-trial release ankle monitor, had possibly kidnapped someone, and was driving a Ford Edge. Police officers from two agencies were unable to locate the victim in a pending domestic violence charge against Kelly and make sure of the victim's safety. There was a restraining order served to Kelly on August 23, preventing contact with the victim.

The license plate reader was deployed to locate the victim's vehicle, a Ford Edge. It flagged the involved vehicle near W. 11^th Avenue and Bailey Hill Road. An officer observed it in the 3000 block of W. 11^th Avenue at a deli, and she spotted Kelly and the victim as they both got out of the vehicle. Kelly entered the deli and the victim went into a different business. Officers were able to determine the victim was safe.

When officers contacted Kelly, he began shouting and resisting arrest. Two officers were able to get him into custody safely and he was transported to Lane County Jail and lodged on charges including Contempt of Court and Resisting Arrest.

Case 25-14331