Officers Recover Stolen iPhone Utilizing “Find My Phone” Application NR11547ne

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire patrol officers investigating an armed robbery located the victim’s stolen Apple iPhone by utilizing the “Find My Phone” application.The follow-up led to an arrest of a parolee and the recovery of the victim’s property and a replica firearm.

On November 17, 2011, at 9:30 p.m., Wilshire Patrol Officers responded to a radio call of an armed robbery in the area of Sierra Bonita Avenue & Rosewood Avenue. While conducting the preliminary investigation, the victim described how a male White had robbed her at gunpoint and ran off with her purse. She added that her Apple iPhone was also taken, which had a tracking application installed. A local citizen offered his assistance and allowed the use of his computer, which allowed the officers to track the iPhone to the vicinity of 11th Street & Ardmore Avenue.The officers conducted a follow-up investigation to the area and within a short time, saw a male who matched the description provided by the victim.The male was detained and officers recovered an iPhone in his pocket.The victim’s cell number was dialed and it rang, alerting the officers that the phone was the victim’s iPhone.

The suspect, Jason Topper, a 34 year old parolee from Chatsworth, was identified as the person who robbed the victim. Additional follow-up led to the arrest of a female associate, 21 year old Dominique Taylor from Los Angeles. Officers recovered the victim’s purse, contents and a replica firearm that matched the description of the gun used in the robbery.

The District Attorney’s Office filed robbery charges on Topper and his bail will be set at $1,110,000. Charges of receiving stolen property were filed on Taylor and her bail will be set at $20,000.

This incident illustrates the value and benefit to utilizing tracking applications and software available for computers, cell phones and portable tablets. The Apple line of products is increasingly targeted during thefts, burglaries and robberies.The ability to track and locate the items are critical during the initial minutes and hours after the crime. Law enforcement can quickly track the item and recover the property and effect an arrest when the ability to track is presented in a timely manner.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Wilshire Robbery Detective Bob Palacios at 213-473-05144 or 213-922-8266. During non-business hours, calls may be directed 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may contact Crime Stoppers by texting the number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.