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Two law enforcement sources, who requested anonymity because they did not have permission to speak publicly about the case, told The Times that investigating deputies used the suspect’s license plate to identify him.

Meanwhile, another member who stayed back at the parking lot noticed a van with a Department of Homeland Security license plate and informed the coalition group.

The South Carolina license plate on the Honda stopped in front of me at a red light, and its silhouette of the state’s signature palm looking regrettably like a tarantula atop a swizzle stick.

A witness gave police early clues in the case: the license plate number and descriptions of the vehicle and the suspects who had fled, Martinez said.

Deputies are still able to respond to calls, though they can’t run license plates or background checks from their patrol cars.