Ohio to Link Security Cameras

The Controlling Board, a bipartisan panel of state lawmakers, approved $235,000 for a Homeland Security project that links cameras throughout Oho.

Ohio's Camera Integration Project to link and monitor thousands of security cameras in Ohio is underway. The project will be modeled after one that has operated in Alabama since 2006. Alabama's system, called Virtual Alabama, came together in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Thousands of cameras that monitor roads, schools and private businesses will be used in an effort to provide more eyes for first responders in emergencies.

Ohio's Camera Integration Project will be accessible by police, firefighters and other 'authorized officials.' The integration will include government-operated systems watching highways, public buildings and airports, and the private security cameras at businesses, shopping malls, office complexes and other major facilities. Privately help companies will not be required to join.

Video from the cameras will not be continually monitored, recorded or stored rather they will be used as a resource during emergencies.

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Security Camera Footage May Help Police Catch Stabbing Suspect

Last month we talked about the benefits of parking lot security cameras. Now it looks like police in Leesburg, Virginia are learning that for themselves. Earlier this week the Leesburg Police Department released parking lot security camera footage of an SUV, and they're hoping the video will lead to the arrest of a suspected attacker.

Between May 24 and August 2, five men were killed and 11 injured in the Flint, Michigan area; one was injured in Toledo, Ohio; and three were injured in Leesburg. Police believe all of these attacks were related due to the descriptions of the suspect, the vehicle he was driving, and patterns related to the actual crime.

The suspect is said to be a tall, white man with a muscular build. He asks the victims for directions or help with his car before attacking them. The video, which was shot in a mall parking lot in Leesburg, shows the potential suspect driving a dark green Chevrolet Blazer.

All but two of the victims were black men and they were walking alone, usually at night or in the early morning hours. Six of the attacks were committed between 12:15 AM and 6:00 AM on Mondays, while six of the attacks happened between 5:45 AM and 6:15 AM between Thursday and Sunday.

So far, police have put together a list of potential suspects. According to the Associated Press, Genesee County, Michigan prosecutor David Leyton said 469 tips have been received. The tips have been shared between all law enforcement agencies involved with the investigation, including the FBI. The investigation is being managed by Michigan State Police.

Take a look at the video below to see the potential suspect's car caught on camera:



Check out this related story: Virginia Security Cameras

Middletown, Ohio Man Caught on Camera

Another day, another criminal who doesn't understand the power of security cameras.

A few weeks ago Casey Fryman of Middletown, Ohio walked into a bar in Lemon Township, Ohio and began to act aggressively. 26-year-old Fryman, was demanding that his father, who was seated in the bar, give him his car keys. He became very agitated when his father wouldn't give them to him.

The bartender, Terina King-Smeal of Middletown, asked Fryman to leave the bar but he failed to comply. Instead, he threw a stool at her and jumped over the counter. He picked her up, threw her to the ground, and stomped on her. The entire incident was caught on camera.

Fryman jumped back over the bar and left the building, but police took him into custody and charged him with misdemeanor assault. However, after viewing the security camera footage, police decided on more serious charges. Fryman is currently in the Middletown jail and charged with felony assault.

This incident goes to show that having carefully placed security cameras in your business can make a world of difference when it comes to a police investigation. Because the bar had different cameras placed at different angles, police were able to see just how brutal the beating was and charge the alleged criminal with the proper crime.

Check out these related stories:

1. Bar Surveillance
2. Middletown, Ohio News