WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. — Crimefighting technology recently helped nab a violent offender in Webster Groves. Police are crediting license plate readers and multi-agency collaboration in the arrest of a sexual assault suspect.
When the 28-year-old suspect approached the victim, Webster Groves police said he took off on something that wasn't hard to miss -- a bright green moped. Officers said technology they've invested in helped track him to the area around the time. From there, they were able to connect the dots.
"It was definitely one of those like, ‘Oh my God. What's going on’?" said Clio Langdon of Webster Groves.
A soon as it happened, word quickly spread across town Langdon got a text from her concerned dad.
"’There’s a crazy guy running around the neighborhood on a bright green scooter assaulting people. Be careful if you come home tonight,’" she said, reading the text message.
Police said earlier this month, Robert Merritt approached a woman leaving a restaurant on East Lockwood. After he got off his moped, they say he pinned her to her friend's car and inappropriately touched her. Shortly afterwards, license plate readers pinpointed the suspect's ride.
"It not only does that. It also looks at unique characteristics on vehicles…The color, the style, if there's any dents or damage… Stickers, lettering… So that really helped us,” said Lt. Jillian McCoy with the Webster Groves Police Department.
She said that's when Kirkwood police contacted them, saying there were similarities to the cases of three women who had been assaulted in their area. After some detective work and collaboration, officers in Jefferson County were able to nab the suspect.
"Here in Webster Groves, we’re surrounded by so many municipalities and it was really a great effort to see other agencies come together as a whole,” McCoy said.
Now businesses are reacting.
"I'm glad they caught them… The kids around here walk the streets every day, especially in the summertime,” Joelle Ahrens of The Little toy shop said.
Those who knew a bad guy was on the run are also relieved.
"I'm glad about that… I would hate for anyone else to get like grabbed,” Langon said.
Over the last couple of years, Webster Groves has obtained five license plate readers, which are installed at various intersections.
"Technology and police work play hand in hand,” McCoy said.
Merritt is being held without bond on three counts of fourth-degree assault.
He's due in court in next month.