It didn’t take long for the Secaucus Police Department to find out if the new technology it installed around the town would be successful.
Just hours after the department’s Planning and Intelligence Section began the first phase of installation of the license plate reader camera system around town, one of the cameras captured a suspect’s license plate, leading to the arrest of a Jersey City man who targeted prostitutes at Secaucus hotels.
Kendall Smith, 32, was arrested June 5 by the department’s Detective Unit and he was charged with four counts of robbery, two counts of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, three counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of engaging in prostitution, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon for incidents between May 17 and June 4.
“Prostitution is not a victimless crime, especially when they are victimized themselves,” Miller said. “I am extremely proud of the investigative work of my detectives and for the support provided from the Jersey City Police Department. Also, the availability of the technology used in this case is a testament to the commitment of Mayor (Mike) Gonnelli and his Town Council who are extremely supportive in providing the Secaucus Police Department with tools that can assist us in our common goal, the safety of Secaucus residents and visitors of the town.”
On May 17, at 9:51 p.m., Secaucus police responded to the La Quinta Hotel on Lighting Way on a report of an armed robbery. The assailants, including Smith, forced their way into the victims’ hotel room while brandishing knives, Miller said. After a struggle, the men fled with some of the victims’ money, personal belongings and documents.
Two weeks later, on May 31 at 12:23 a.m., police responded to the Red Roof Inn on the Meadowlands Parkway on a report of a robbery. The victim told police she was in the room with a man when two men, one later identified as Smith, forced their way into the room. After assaulting the victim, the men stole some of the victim’s personal belongings and fled.
Several hours before the May 31 robbery, the police department installed the first batch of the cameras that read license plates and instantaneously provide police with information about the vehicle. The camera near the Red Roof captured the suspects’ vehicle when they fled, providing detectives with a vital lead.
On June 4, at 5:39 p.m., the police responded to the Meadowlands Plaza Hotel on Wood Avenue on a report of a robbery. The victim told police two people, one later identified as Smith, entered her hotel room and choked her. After threatening to kill her, the suspects stole some of her personal belongings and fled.
Once again, the license plate readers captured Smith’s vehicle after the assailants fled. Detectives also obtained other evidence through other investigative means that links Smith to the robberies.
On June 5, Secaucus detectives and Jersey City police stopped Smith in the area of Martin Luther King Drive and Armstrong Avenue in Jersey City, where he was arrested. A court-authorized search of Kendall Smith’s vehicle led to the seizure of additional evidence linking him to these crimes.
“Several months ago, my administration pledged funds to install license plate reading cameras at all the entrances/exits in town with the intent to help prevent as well as solve crime,” Gonnelli said. “I am so glad to see the system, which is only partially installed, is already providing assistance. I am so proud of our police department and their efforts to keep our town safe.”
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may follow. Anyone with information can contact the Secaucus Police Detective Division at (201) 330-2052 or detectivedivsion@secaucusnjpolice.gov.
