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VSP Trooper recognized for apprehending WDBJ shooter

Posted at 1:03 PM, Oct 28, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-28 13:03:05-04

Roanoke, Va. – Virginia State Police trooper Pam Neff was recognized this week for her involvement in the apprehension of the gunman who shot and killed WDBJ reporter Alison Parker and photographer Adam Ward.

Trooper Neff and VSP Colonel Flaherty were presented with the Golden Camera Award by Selex ES, Inc. at the 122nd meeting of the International Chiefs of Police in Chicago in acknowledgement of VSP’s work using license plate recognition technology.

(Virginia State Police)

(Virginia State Police)

After shooting and killing Parker and Ward and severely injuring Vicki Gardner in Franklin County, the gunman fled the area.

Thanks to the quick work of Virginia State Police and local authorities, his license plate number was broadcast statewide to patrol vehicles, several of which were equipped with the MPH-900 license plate recognition system.

Five hours later and roughly 234 miles away from the shooting scene, Trooper Neff entered the number into her MPH-900 and discovered the LPR had just read his license plate three minutes prior.

Trooper Neff circled back to catch up with the shooter and once she had back-up at her side, proceeded with the apprehension.

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