Find My iPhone app helps nab suspected car thieves, Glendale police say
A cellphone tracking app helped Glendale police locate and arrest two suspected car thieves on Monday, authorities said.
Dayquan Fields and Michael Smith, both Las Vegas residents, are accused of stealing a Chrysler vehicle after contacting its owner through an online advertisement, according to Tahnee Lightfoot, a spokeswoman for the Glendale Police Department.
She said the vehicle’s 29-year-old owner was trying to sell the car and agreed to meet with Fields in the 3400 block of Ocean View Boulevard in order to discuss its purchase.
The three met around 7:45 p.m., with 19-year-old Fields and 23-year-old Smith arriving in a gray Dodge Charger.
When Fields entered the Chrysler to discuss buying the car with its owner, he threatened the man and pushed him out of the vehicle, according to Lightfoot.
Fields then drove away with the vehicle, and Smith followed behind in the Charger, she said.
The 29-year-old called 911 and told authorities he was able to track his vehicle through the Find My iPhone app because his phone was left behind in the Chrysler.
Using the information the man provided, Lightfoot said officers were able to locate the vehicle in the Pasadena area. Fields then led police on a short chase before colliding with several vehicles, Lightfoot said.
He was then taken into custody. Smith was also located and arrested.
Lightfoot said it was also discovered the Dodge Charger the two had been driving was reported stolen in Illinois.
The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office charged the men with one count each of carjacking. Fields was also charged with fleeing police while driving recklessly, while Smith was charged with taking a vehicle without consent.
Twitter: @Andy_Truc
