New In-Car Technology Helps Deputies Arrest 2 In Santa Clarita

SANTA CLARITA (CBS) — Deputies say new technology installed in their patrol car assisted them in detaining two men suspected in a burglary spree.

The suspects, identified as 19-year-old Brian Martinez and 28-year-old Daniel Sandrini, were arrested Friday and booked on charges of burglary and receiving stolen property.

A news release issued by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department stated that the burglary spree began early Friday morning near McBean Parkway and Copperhill Drive in Saugus.

According to deputies, the suspects were smashing car windows and stealing items from inside.

Later in the day, a witness reportedly spotted the men attempted to break into another car and notified deputies, providing them with a partial license plate.

That's when authorities -- with help from the new sheriff's Digital Computer System -- were able to pull up the vehicle information and locate the suspects.

The men were arrested with what deputies at the scene described as a truck so loaded down with stolen property they had never seen anything like it, said Capt. Scott Edson with the Sheriff's Communications and Fleet Management Bureau.

The men are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 28.

"So far the new MDC's are installed in radio cars in Industry, Palmdale and Lancaster Sheriff's Station," Edson said, adding they install and deploy more every day, and are providing training so deputies know how to use it.

"This incident demonstrates how effective a deputy can be when the right technology is in the right hands at the right time," Edson added.

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