License Plate Reader Helps Nab Car Theft Suspect In Novato

NOVATO (CBS SF) -- A 21-year-old man was arrested after a police officer used an automated license plate reader to find a stolen vehicle driving in Novato Saturday morning, police said.

At about 7:30 a.m., an officer on patrol on Ignacio Boulevard was alerted by the automated license plate reader that a 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche driving on the road was reported stolen, according to police.

The Chevrolet continued onto southbound U.S. Highway 101, where officers eventually stopped the driver near Manuel T. Freitas Parkway in San Rafael, police said.

Cody Smith, a Richmond resident, was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of vehicle theft, possession of burglary tools and driving on a suspended license, police said.

The Chevrolet was processed for evidence and then returned to its registered owner, according to police.