License Plate Reader Alert Leads to Safe Recovery of Missing Child

 A routine patrol turned into a life-saving intervention on Sunday evening when a New Mexico State Police Sergeant responded to a License Plate Reader (LPR) alert tied to a missing child. The alert led to a traffic stop near Prospect Avenue and San Mateo Boulevard at approximately 7:35 p.m.

The driver, identified as 26-year-old Jose Carrillo Gonzalez, was found to have a full extradition warrant out of Chandler, Arizona. Charges included Kidnapping of a Minor, Assault, and Custodial Interference. Officers discovered the missing child inside the vehicle and safely released the child to a legal guardian.

Carrillo Gonzalez was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on the outstanding warrant.

Law enforcement officials praised the role of LPR technology in the successful recovery. “This is a clear example of how real-time data tools like LPRs can make a critical difference in protecting vulnerable individuals,” said a spokesperson for New Mexico State Police. “Technology, when paired with alert and compassionate policing, saves lives.”

The incident highlights the growing use of LPR systems across New Mexico, which scan license plates and cross-reference them with law enforcement databases to flag vehicles associated with crimes, missing persons, or other alerts. Advocates say the technology enhances public safety while raising important questions about privacy and oversight.

For now, one child is safe, and one suspect faces justice—thanks to a timely alert and decisive action.

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