NEW PARIS, Ohio (WKEF) — Law enforcement in Preble County were able to locate a missing girl from Texas thanks in part to technology. Flock cameras are showing in more and more cities and villages throughout Ohio.
“We’re a small, small department, and so sometimes we don’t have coverage like the cities do, and so we are able to keep track of some vehicles and stuff just through the flock cameras system,” said New Paris Police Chief Joe Protzman.
Protzman said a flock safety camera alert was able to tip authorities to a missing girl, and 52-year-old Joel Domingo Dominguez Martinez of Richmond, Indiana. The camera alerted and matched the vehicle Martinez and the missing girl from Dallas, Texas were in allowing New Paris Police to initiate the traffic stop.
“Two things there’s a stolen plate or stolen vehicle, if that happens to come by it, it alerts and there’s normally an 11 to 18 second delay and so we know they’re in the area, so that’s when we go out and look for them,” Protzman said.
Protzman has been police chief since January 3, 2022. The department has one other full time, and two part timers on the force.
Protzman believes technology like flock cameras can be useful in locating people or matching vehicle license plates involved in some type of criminal activity. Right now they have two that were purchased by a local American Legion post, as funds become available Protzman would definitely like to be adding more.
“Couple other routes coming into the village that I’d really like to get a camera on right now, but we’re a small village they can be a little pricey to put up and maintain. So at this time, we’re going to stick with two, but if in the future funds become available we will definitely be adding on.
Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson said his office has a couple of cameras in high traffic business areas of the county. He added that the city of Eaton also has this technology.
“It’s another set of eyes for a vehicle that’s on the road that’s tied to some type of criminal activity. So it’s like anything else, the technology evolves and this is just another tool that we use.”
Martinez remains in the Preble County Jail awaiting arraignment.
Protzman said everything has been bound over to Preble County Common Pleas because there’s a felony involved. The case will go before grand jury on Monday, and they’ll decide if they’re going to continue with the indictment.
The girl is still in the custody of children protective services.
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