NEWTON, N.C. -- Instead of gathering dust, a retired ambulance from Catawba County EMS will now help fight crime.

• The vehicle was donated to Newton Police Department
• It will be turned into a mobile crime unit and command center
• They are working to also be able to test drugs in the vehicle

The vehicle was donated to Newton Police Department which is turning it into a mobile crime unit and command center.

In the past, detectives working major crimes like homicides would have to pack evidence into their patrols and drive it back to headquarters.

“We could come in here, package stuff, we wouldn't have to travel back and forth to the police station. We could stay on these and get things taken care of,” said Det. Ethan Hoke of Newton PD

They are working to also be able to test drugs in the vehicle which will be ready in a couple of weeks.