A duo of robberies and a home invasion in Fairfield ended with the swift arrest of a suspect, thanks to the help of cutting-edge technology and inter-agency teamwork. The Fairfield Police Department utilized Flock Safety's automated license plate reading technology to track down the suspect following a high-speed chase. The events unfolded yesterday, when the Fairfield Police were alerted to an armed robbery at the Am/Pm Mini Mart on North Texas Street.
After the initial robbery, the suspect was spotted and attempted to flee on foot, leading to a chase through residential areas. It was during this time that the individual forced their way into an occupied residence, robbing the homeowner of keys and then commandeering their pickup truck. The ensuing pursuit saw the suspect dangerously speed through Fairfield and into Suisun, ultimately leading officers to disengage for safety reasons. In a decision to rely on technology to apprehend the suspect, they instead opted to disengage.
A press release posted by the Fairfield Police Department detailed the collaboration between the Solano and Napa Sheriff's Offices, which culminated in the eventual arrest of 34-year-old Vallejo resident Kevin Kepford in Napa County. The release highlighted the efficiency of the Flock Safety system, which provided real-time alerts of the suspect's location. "Officers received additional real-time alerts from the vehicle as it passed Flock cameras in Solano County at Mankas Corner and Suisun Valley Road at 10:37 am and cameras in St. Helena on Highway 128 at 11:27 am," the statement outlined.
Finally, at approximately 11:43 AM, the vehicle was spotted, and Napa Sheriff’s deputies detained Kepford. The Fairfield Police took custody of the suspect along with the recovered firearm and stolen vehicle. Kepford will be booked at the Solano County Jail on numerous felony charges.
