[MaxMax]

They used a database, but how did that database find his face. Is the scary question.
He was using a fake license so his picture would not have showed him where he was, and
wouldn't be in any DMV database pointing to his state or city.

Are they using public scanning now? It's the only way, but the article says nothing.

[flamberge]

They used a database, but how did that database find his face.

That is probably not how they found him. Police very rarely want to disclose their real methods or sources.

Most likely they used contact tracing with a database of cell phone call records. If he ever called a relative or former friend in 30 years he would be traceable.

And of course there is always the classic informant who knows something about a person of-interest.