Tracking the Criminals: A Look at AirTag Theft, eBay Scams, and DUI Arrests

Delve into the latest Apple Crime Log to explore various crimes involving Apple and its products. In this update, a couple expresses frustration over what they perceive as a slow investigation into a baggage theft, an iPhone crash alert leads to a DUI arrest, and more.

Couple Upset After Alleged ‘Slow-Walking’ of AirTag Theft Investigation

Despite the use of Apple’s AirTags to track stolen property in previous cases, a recent baggage theft involving an AirTag remains unsolved.

As reported by CBS Texas, a couple from the Dallas area, known only as Karuna and Richie, had their luggage stolen from the Dallas-Fort Worth airport parking lot. After returning from their trip and finding their car unable to start, they placed their luggage in the vehicle and went back to the airport to call for a tow. Upon the AAA tow truck’s arrival, they discovered that their luggage had been stolen during the brief period they were away!

Fortunately, the couple had AirTags attached to their bags, allowing them to track the luggage to an apartment complex nearby. They visited the complex and reviewed security footage showing a male wearing Richie’s Houston Rockets shirt carrying the luggage through the premises.

Despite having significant evidence at hand, the Dallas Police seemed hesitant to investigate, citing the matter as within the jurisdiction of DFW Airport Police.

“A tracker does not guarantee the recovery of your property,” emphasized Doug Deaton, a former police officer turned private investigator.

Deaton highlighted that evidence collected by private individuals using AirTags could potentially hinder rather than aid an investigation. “Imagine someone providing you with fingerprints they obtained themselves and expecting an arrest,” Deaton explained. “Police cannot solely rely on such collected evidence.”

Following inquiries by the CBS News I-Team, DFW Airport police eventually visited the apartment complex where the individual in the Rockets shirt had been traced.

Karuna received a text from detectives stating that they had visited the location, conducted a search, and identified five apartments in the vicinity where the suspect was last seen.

The detectives reported that while they had engaged with the apartment staff, no one recognized the individual or the vehicle in question.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Man Falls Victim to eBay Scam, Loses iPhone

A Pennsylvania man found himself scammed after agreeing to sell his iPhone 15 on eBay.

According to NorthCentralPA, the 36-year-old resident of Forksville sold his iPhone through eBay in what initially appeared to be a legitimate transaction. However, the buyer later requested a refund, promising to return the iPhone. Although the refund was issued, the phone was never returned to the seller.

The victim’s Apple iPhone 15 Pro 128 GB model, valued at $570, was the subject of the alleged scam. Pennsylvania State Police are currently investigating the incident.

Arrest Made Following iPhone Crash Alert

Fingerlakes1 reports the arrest of a 22-year-old Virginia man on December 6 after his vehicle collided with a culvert. The arrest was prompted by an iPhone crash detection alert to 911, leading to charges of driving under the influence.

Deputies detailed that Isaias Presas-Reyes of North Chesterfield, Virginia, was taken into custody around 3:54 a.m. on December 6 following the crash on West Lake Road near Buck Point Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, Presas-Reyes received medical attention from EMS for minor injuries. Despite declining hospital transport, he consented to field sobriety tests, which he reportedly failed. Subsequently, he was arrested and transported to the Cayuga County Public Safety Building, where a chemical breath test revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.17%, exceeding the legal limit.

Presas-Reyes faces charges including driving under the influence, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit, unsafe lane changes, and driving without a license. This resulted in multiple traffic citations and a scheduled court appearance.