High-tech GPS tracking arrow helps Belle Meade, Tennessee police find another stolen vehicle

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Belle Meade authorities recovered another stolen car this week thanks to the use of cutting-edge crime-fighting technology, including a network of license plate recognition cameras and GPS tracking arrows.

The darts have been used successfully four times since mid-January. The most recent incident occurred on Tuesday, May 21.

JANUARY 2024: Belle Meade Police Ready to Use GPS Tracking Arrows to Catch Suspects

According to Lt. Mack Mangrum of the Belle Meade Police Department, an LPR camera spotted a stolen car at Lynwood Boulevard and Abbott Martin Road.

When Sergeant David Wright got behind the stolen vehicle, he turned on his blue lights and fired a GPS tracking arrow at the rear bumper. Thanks to the adhesive and magnet, the arrow hit its target.

After the sergeant stopped the car and asked the two occupants to get out, the vehicle reportedly drove away at high speed.

FEBRUARY 2024: GPS tracking arrow from Belle Meade leads officers to stolen vehicle and juvenile suspect

However, with GPS already installed and sending telemetry data, Wright knew he didn't need to aggressively pursue the car.

“If you locate it and activate your emergency equipment, there's a chance they'll run. We don't have to pursue the vehicle then if we can dissuade it with a flash,” Mangrum explained, adding that police would have been able to locate the vehicle even if the suspects had fled again.

The two young men allegedly jumped out of the car, jumped over a fence and escaped. Officers nevertheless found the vehicle without anyone being injured. The car has since been returned to its owner.

MARCH 2024: Belle Meade Police Stop Stolen Truck Using GPS Tracking Arrow

News 2 has reported on Belle Meade police's use of the GPS tracking arrow several times this year, including in mid-February when an LPR camera spotted a stolen sports car driven by a 16-year-old. Again, officers fired the arrow at the vehicle and retreated.

Initially, the frightened teen sped up to 80 mph, but when police officers stopped chasing him, he slowed down to a much safer speed, according to the tracker. Eventually, the teen drove to an apartment complex in West Nashville, where Metro Nashville Police Department members helped Belle Meade police officers arrest him without incident.

“If he's not driving at a high rate of speed, he's not as much of a danger to the public as if we're behind him and he's running from us,” Mangrum told News 2 in February.

As News 2 previously reported, the GPS arrow tracking system costs $73,500, but was made possible through a grant.

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“This is great technology. It reduces the risk of injury to innocent bystanders or the police officers themselves,” Mangrum said.

According to Belle Meade Police Chief Chuck Williams, eight cars are equipped with Dart tracking technology.

Authorities told News 2 that after the arrows are fired, they are sent to a company that remanufactures them. The company then sends the arrows back to the police department for reuse.