App On Stolen iPad Helps Greensburg Police Track Down Suspected Burglars
GREENSBURG (KDKA) -- Police in Greensburg say an iPad app is responsible for helping them track down two suspected burglars.
"The northern end of the city, we had some guys breaking into vehicles from Kenneth Street north to the area of North Main Street, Hawksworth Garden apartments," said Capt. Chad Zucco, of Greensburg Police.
That's where the story starts. Greensburg Police getting calls from residents reporting missing belongings, many high-ticket items.
"iPads, GPS units, change, some computer devices," said Capt. Zucco. "There were two pairs of designer sunglasses worth approximately $1,000. Usually, what they do is grab what they can grab quickly and get rid of quickly."
However, police say the suspects, identified as 24-year-old Joshua Lucas of Latrobe and 20-year-old Patrick Rosenberry of Scottdale, couldn't resist powering up one of the stolen iPads and surfing the net.
"It was online and they were using it or attempting to use it," Capt. Zucco said. "As long as you know how to use the technology, it's definitely a benefit to us. Through our investigation and the technology available to us, we were able to find out where that iPad was."
Authorities say an app on the iPad was sending out a signal that helped them locate it.
With the iPad telling police exactly where it was, Greensburg Police rolled up to Hawksworth Garden, specifically Building B and knocked on the apartment door.
Rosenberry answered and was immediately arrested. Lucas was found in a closet hiding under blankets and was also put in cuffs.
"I think they were quite surprised," said Capt. Zucco. "They didn't have all their game together on this one."
Both men are now being held in the Westmoreland County Jail on $15,000 cash bond. They face numerous conspiracy and theft counts and may see more.
"We do believe they were involved in other incidents and that is still ongoing at this time," added Capt. Zucco.
RELATED LINKS:
More Greensburg News
More Westmoreland County News
More Reports by Ross Guidotti
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter