Watch CBS News

Alleged Stolen Cell Phone Leads Police Right To Burglary Suspect

RADNOR, Pa. (CBS) -- Radnor Police say a burglary suspect who thought he was making a "clean getaway," from an overnight burglary was tripped up by a phone app that tracked his every move.

25 year old Rickey Weston of Darby, police allege, burglarized a house on Ashwood Road in Villanova, stealing electronic devices, cash and the family's SUV.

However, Lt. Andy Block told Eyewitness News, the suspect didn't know that a family member had accidentally left an iPhone inside the now stolen vehicle.

Radnor detectives quickly activated the phone, which was tucked out of sight in the passenger compartment, watching as Weston allegedly drove into West Philadelphia, then Upper Darby, where officers were waiting.

After jumping from the SUV, Weston was arrested following a short chase through Cobbs Creek Park.

"It's a 'live' app," Lieutenant Block explained,"it puts everything on the radar."

Police say they were able to return all the stolen items and the SUV to the victims.

Weston, following arraignment, was remanded to Delaware County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Police add that there was a second phone that also played a role in Weston's arrest: his own.

The phone allegedly recovered after the suspect dropped it inside the home he was burglarizing, police say.

Now, a key piece of evidence linking him to the crime.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.