The Virginia Beach and Norfolk police departments were able catch a man wanted for first-degree murder after locating the suspect’s vehicle using information from a license plate reader database.
Jeremiah Quinones, 22, of Norfolk, was taken into custody on Dec. 30 less than an hour after the initial call for a fatal shooting at a business in the 5400 block of Virginia Beach Blvd.
The deceased man found at the location was identified as Lequan Cherry, 26, of Norfolk. The business where the shooting occurred was not identified.
Detectives were able to identify and broadcast a detailed description of the suspect and suspect vehicle. With this information, the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center searched its license plate reader database for the involved vehicle to identify locations where the vehicle had been previously observed.
A Norfolk Police Department officer located the vehicle in one of the locations and attempted a traffic stop.
The vehicle fled, resulting in a brief pursuit into Virginia Beach.
Quinones was arrested and charged with first degree murder, malicious wounding and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said the arrest demonstrates the vital role technology plays in modern policing.
“This case is a powerful example of how innovation, combined with dedicated law enforcement professionals, can deliver justice swiftly and enhance public safety,” he said. “The VBPD remains committed to leveraging every available tool to protect our community and hold those who commit violent crimes accountable.”
Share
Crystal Graham
