Enhanced 911 Technology Helps Woman During Attempted Rape

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

MIDWEST CITY, Oklahoma -- A Midwest City man, who is also a registered sex offender, is behind bars thanks in part to enhanced 911 technology.

Joseph Degeare, 37, was arrested Monday afternoon on charges of attempted first-degree rape and domestic violence involving his live-in girlfriend.

Police said Degeare's girlfriend called 911 about 6:20 p.m. Monday, but Degeare was unaware the call had been placed. Dispatchers were able to hear the woman begging for help but were unable to talk to her due to the attack in progress.

Using enhanced 911 technology, police were able to track the call to a home in the 2500 block of North Trosper Drive.

"What this allows us to do is locate a caller based on the longitude and latitude of that wireless phone," said Steve Willoughby, the Oklahoma Association of Central Governments.

When officers arrived, the house went silent, but dispatchers could still hear the woman asking for help. Officers entered the home and after a failed attempt to taser Degeare, he was arrested.

"In this particular case, we feel very certain had the victim not been able to use this technology she probably would have been seriously injured or even killed," said Midwest Cit Police Chief Brandon Clabes.

A pit bull was also shot by police after the dog came after officers.

Degeare has a long criminal history and has spent time in prison.