Police Track Stolen Car Using GPS Device

Marysville officers used a StarChase tracker to follow a stolen vehicle before disabling it and arresting its occupants.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Property Crime

Police Track Stolen Car Using GPS Device

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Do you trust local police to use tracking technology instead of car chases?

Marysville police used a StarChase GPS tracking device to monitor a stolen car after a sergeant located it on October 26. Officers disabled the vehicle and arrested the driver and a passenger after a foot chase.

Why it matters

Officers received information about a stolen license plate traveling through the city, prompting the tracking operation. The approach allowed police to follow the vehicle without initiating a pursuit.

The stolen vehicle was recovered after being disabled, and the driver was taken into custody a short time later. A passenger was found soon after by a detective, and the formal charges and court status have not been reported.

The players

Marysville Police Department

The Marysville Police Department is the municipal law enforcement agency for the city of Marysville, Washington.

StarChase

StarChase is a company that manufactures an adhesive GPS tracking system deployed onto vehicles to allow police to follow them without a pursuit.

The details

After the StarChase adhesive tracker was deployed onto the vehicle, officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver immediately fled. Officers disengaged rather than pursuing and used real-time location data to monitor the car until it was disabled after the driver tried to avoid a spike strip.

October 26: A sergeant located the stolen car and coordination with a corporal and the StarChase system began.
Earlier the same week: Officers received information about a stolen license plate traveling through the city.

Legal Context

Police agencies have increasingly adopted GPS tracking systems like StarChase to reduce the risks of vehicle pursuits while still recovering stolen cars. This Marysville operation reflects that approach applied to a local stolen-vehicle case.

Residents in Marysville may see fewer high-speed pursuits as police rely on GPS tracking to recover stolen vehicles. Drivers should be aware that stolen cars can be tracked even when license plates have been changed.

The takeaway

Vehicle tracking technology allows police to recover stolen cars while reducing the danger of pursuits on public roads. Residents who suspect a stolen vehicle should report it promptly so officers can act on accurate information.