ALPR Alert Aids Deputies in Recovering a Stolen License Plate and Leads to the Arrest of Two Wanted Suspects on Unrelated Warrants

Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Alert of a reported stolen license plate.  Deputies located the unoccupied vehicle in a parking lot with the stolen license plate affixed.  Through the subsequent investigation, they arrested two wanted suspects and recovered the stolen plate.  One suspect was booked into jail as a fugitive for an unrelated felony Idaho warrant, and the second was booked for a misdemeanor illegal pistol concealed carry violation warrant.  The vehicle’s VIN showed clear and was not reported as stolen.   

On July 24, 2024, at approximately 11:35 pm, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies were advised of an RTCC Flock ALPR Alert of a reported stolen license plate in the Airway Heights area by Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) Dispatchers.  

Deputies located the unoccupied white 2010 BMW sedan in a parking lot near W. 12th Avenue and S. Center Way in Airway Heights.    

Within minutes, a male, later identified as 35-year-old Adam R. Dahlman, was observed approaching the vehicle and going through items in the back seat.   Deputies contacted Dahlman and detained him while they investigated.

A check of Dahlman’s name revealed an unrelated, confirmed, and fully extraditable Idaho Department of Corrections felony warrant.  Due to the warrant, he was arrested as a Fugitive.  

Through the investigation, Deputies identified the possible owner of the BMW as 30-year-old Rhianon T. Aguilar and learned she was staying in a nearby hotel room.  Deputies contacted Aguilar, who provided paperwork showing she had recently purchased the BMW.  She also explained that she had no idea the license plate was reported stolen.   A check of her name showed an unrelated local misdemeanor warrant for a concealed pistol carry violation, and she was arrested.       

A check of the BMW’s VIN showed it was not reported stolen.  The license plate, confirmed as stolen, was removed from the car and seized as evidence.

Unable to prove that Aguilar or Dahlman knew the license plate was stolen, they were not charged with possession of stolen property.     

Aguilar was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on her misdemeanor warrant, which showed a bond set at $3,000.  However, per an agreement approved by the Municipal/District Court, this charge qualified for her to be released on her own recognizance due to the Critical Jail Status (overcrowding/population), and she was released minutes later.

Dahlman was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail, held on his felony Idaho warrant pending extradition.

This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "ALPR Alert Aids Deputies in Recovering a Stolen License Plate and Leads to the Arrest of Two" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7