License Reader Helps Rochester Police Catch Suspected Car Thief

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - An automatic license plate reader led to the recovery of a stolen car in Rochester - and the arrest of the suspected thief.

A patrol officer was near the Boys and Girls Club Friday evening when the reader device pinged as she drove past a residence. The officer confirmed the vehicle had been stolen in St Paul and called a towing company. As the tow truck arrived, two women suddenly appeared, jumped into the vehicle and made an attempt to drive off but were stopped.

The officer arrested was 33-year-old Marion Baca of Hinkley, who was in the driver’s seat. She is also facing drug charges after some marijuana and methamphetamine were found in the car.

News update: A wild police chase in the Stewartville area.