Huntsville Police Recover Stolen SUV After Short Chase

Officers tracked a stolen 2019 Volvo XC90 using license plate reader technology early Saturday morning.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Property Crime

Huntsville Police Recover Stolen SUV After Short Chase

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Huntsville police arrested 20-year-old Maritza Cantillano Mejia after a brief vehicle pursuit on October 25, 2026. Authorities tracked the stolen 2019 Volvo XC90 using automated license plate reader technology.

Why it matters

The rapid recovery of the vehicle highlights the effectiveness of automated license plate readers in assisting local law enforcement with property crime. This incident underscores how real-time technology can assist officers in locating stolen assets shortly after they are reported.

Maritza Cantillano Mejia faces charges of first-degree theft of property and attempting to elude a police officer. She is currently held at the Madison County Jail.

The players

Maritza Cantillano Mejia

She is the 20-year-old Huntsville resident who was arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail following the vehicle pursuit.

Huntsville Police Department

This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling the city and investigating the theft of the Volvo XC90.

The details

Police were alerted to the theft of a 2019 Volvo XC90 from a service station on the 900 block of University Drive at 1:44 a.m. Officers utilized license plate reader data to track the vehicle, which led to a chase that concluded near Bob Wallace Avenue and I-565.

The vehicle was reported stolen at 1:44 a.m. on October 25, 2026.
Officers attempted a traffic stop at 1:55 a.m. on October 25, 2026.

Legal Context

The use of license plate reader technology marks a significant shift in how local agencies enforce property laws by digitizing search efforts. This implementation follows the pattern set by federal database standards that allow departments to cross-reference stolen vehicle records.

Residents in the area near University Drive and Bob Wallace Avenue should be aware that police utilize high-tech surveillance tools to monitor vehicle traffic. These systems are part of a broader local effort to secure businesses and neighborhoods against property theft.

The takeaway

Using advanced surveillance technology significantly reduces the time between a theft report and vehicle recovery. Vehicle owners should remain vigilant at service stations and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.