Broome County Sheriff's Using New GPS Tool for Vehicle Pursuits

The StarChase GPS system allows deputies to track fleeing suspects safely and effectively.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Broome County Sheriff's Office has implemented a new GPS tracking technology called StarChase to aid in vehicle pursuits. The system uses a low-velocity projectile to attach a GPS tag to a fleeing vehicle, allowing deputies to track the suspect's location, speed, and direction without engaging in a high-speed chase. The technology was recently deployed successfully during a pursuit on I-81, leading to the apprehension of a suspect who had allegedly stolen a vehicle and carjacked another.

Why it matters

Vehicle pursuits pose significant risks to public safety, and law enforcement agencies are constantly seeking new tools to minimize those risks. The StarChase system allows Broome County deputies to track and apprehend suspects without engaging in dangerous high-speed chases, which can endanger officers, suspects, and bystanders. This technology is part of the sheriff's office's efforts to utilize the latest tools and tactics to keep the community safe.

The details

The StarChase system works by firing a GPS tag onto the fleeing vehicle, which then provides real-time data on the vehicle's location, speed, and direction to dispatchers and assisting agencies. The device is only used during pursuits where the deputy has probable cause of wrongdoing, and the tracking ends once the suspect is apprehended. The system was recently deployed during a pursuit on I-81, where a suspect had allegedly stolen a vehicle in Syracuse and carjacked another. Broome County's Strategic Response Group was able to successfully deploy the GPS tag, coordinate with road patrol deputies, and use a Stopstick tire deflation device to end the pursuit safely.

  • On January 29, 2026, the Broome County Sheriff's Office Strategic Response Group deployed the StarChase GPS system during a vehicle pursuit on I-81 southbound in the Town of Dickinson.

The players

Broome County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that has implemented the new StarChase GPS tracking technology to aid in vehicle pursuits and apprehend fleeing suspects.

Gabron Polk

A 19-year-old suspect who allegedly stole a vehicle in Syracuse, got into an accident, assaulted and carjacked another individual, and then fled south on I-81, leading to the deployment of the StarChase system.

Sheriff Fred Akshar

The Broome County Sheriff who highlighted the new GPS technology and its role in the department's efforts to keep the community safe.

Captain Ben Harting

A Broome County Sheriff's Office captain who explained how the StarChase GPS tag works as a 'virtual helicopter' to assist patrols in bringing pursuits to a safe and quick conclusion.

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What they’re saying

“Our Sheriff's deputies always put the safety of our community's families first, especially when it comes to pursuing fleeing suspects in Broome County. We are always forward-thinking in our approach to public safety, and GPS technology is yet another tool to help our men and women safely and effectively serve and protect our community.”

— Sheriff Fred Akshar, Broome County Sheriff (myhometowntoday.com)

“This GPS tag works as a 'virtual helicopter' to assist patrols, providing live data to help law enforcement bring pursuits to an end quickly and safely.”

— Captain Ben Harting, Broome County Sheriff's Office (myhometowntoday.com)

What’s next

The judge in Gabron Polk's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The Broome County Sheriff's Office's use of the StarChase GPS tracking system demonstrates how law enforcement agencies are leveraging new technologies to enhance public safety and reduce the risks associated with vehicle pursuits, while still upholding due process and civil liberties.