Child recovered safely from stolen vehicle in Owensboro, 1 arrested

OWENSBORO, Ky. – A child is safe after a reported vehicle theft in Owensboro over the weekend.

According to the Owensboro Police Department, on Sunday at 9:45 p.m., officers responded to the 3300 block of West Second Street after a reported stolen vehicle containing the caller’s child.

Authorities say the victim stated her passenger, Jeffery Brown, had taken the vehicle without permission while she was in the store.

Police say they immediately began searching the area using a phone tracking feature and FLOCK Automated License Plate Reader technology.

According to authorities, the phone app was not successful due to delayed location updates. The FLOCK Automated License Plate Reader alert located the vehicle traveling on Highway 144, police say.

According to police, they later observed the vehicle on East Fourth Street and conducted a high-risk traffic stop, taking the suspect into custody. Police say the child was safely reunited with her mother.

The Owensboro Police Department Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene to investigate. Brown was charged with theft by unlawful taking (auto), kidnapping (minor), first-degree fleeing or evading police, first-degree wanton endangerment and no operator’s/moped license.