Virginia Beach police officers made a swift arrest in a shooting on Atlantic Avenue, thanks to the use of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology.
On November 16, 2024, just before 2 a.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Atlantic Avenue, where they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a local hospital and is expected to recover.
Investigators pieced together evidence from ALPR footage, security cameras, and eyewitness accounts, leading them to identify 35-year-old Timothy Kashner of Suffolk as the suspect. Police arrested Kashner on November 20, charging him with several offenses, including Malicious Wounding, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, Shooting in Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate praised the role of technology in the case. “Cameras help solve crimes,” he said. “Whether it be security cameras or automatic license plate readers, technology plays an invaluable role in our continuing mission to protect and serve our community.”
The arrest highlights the increasing use of ALPR systems by law enforcement, which allow officers to identify vehicles of interest in real time. These tools have proven instrumental in solving crimes quickly, often helping to bring suspects to justice before they can flee the area.