APD's Phoenix Air Helps Officers Locate Repeat Offender Who Was Caught Looking Into Cars

On January 11, 2023, officers were given the description of two males who had been looking into vehicles in the parking lot at 1801 Howell Mill Rd. The males were seen leaving the area in a gray Tesla. Officers located the Tesla near Northside Dr. and 16th St. and the vehicle fled upon seeing police. The APD air unit was nearby and quickly located the vehicle and kept officers updated on its location. Officers attempted to stay nearby in case the vehicle came to a stop.

The air unit tracked the vehicle to Cairo St. and Jett St. where the vehicle crashed. Both occupants fled on foot. Nearby officers arrived at the crash moments later and began searching for the suspects. A K9 officer located the driver after a lengthy search and took him into custody without incident.

The driver was identified as 21-year-old Montavious Sanders. Officers discovered he is a convicted felon, and jail records show he has been charged with Entering Auto more than 90 times since 2019. Officers found a handgun in the Tesla and determined it had been stolen. Mr. Sanders was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Reckless Conduct, and multiple traffic violations.

This case began in Zone 2 and crossed through two other zones before coming to an end. The officers' ability to quickly communicate with other officers throughout the city, both on the ground and in the air, ensured this repeat offender wasn't able to get away.