Police Use AirTag to Track Down Suspects in Red Line Attack
Quick Response to a Grisly Crime
On December 22, a 20-year-old man boarded an inbound train at 69th Street around 8 a.m. and was subsequently attacked by two men at the 35th Street station. According to court documents, one of the suspects displayed a knife, while the other put the victim in a chokehold. The attackers punched the man multiple times in the face and body, stole his electric bike and headphones, and got off the train at Cermak Road, then boarded a southbound train.
Thanks to a Smart Bystander, the Police Were Able to Track Down the Suspects
The victim had an Apple AirTag attached to his bike, which proved to be a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation. The AirTag, which uses GPS and cellular technology to track the location of the attached device, allowed officers to track the bike to a motel in the 7600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue in Greater Grand Crossing. This information, combined with CTA surveillance footage, led police to the motel, where the suspects were taken into custody within an hour of the attack.
Two Men Charged with Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Robbery
Christopher Owens, 20, and Claude Elder, 44, are each charged with one felony count of aggravated battery and aggravated robbery. They were both ordered held in custody pending trial, with their next court dates set for Monday.
Conclusion
The use of AirTag in this case is a remarkable example of how technology can help law enforcement track down suspects and bring them to justice. The quick response of the police and the help of the victim’s AirTag enabled the suspects to be apprehended within an hour of the attack, preventing further harm and ensuring that justice is served.
FAQs
* What is an AirTag? An AirTag is a small device that uses GPS and cellular technology to track the location of the attached device.
* How does an AirTag work? An AirTag uses a combination of GPS and cellular technology to track the location of the attached device and transmit the data to the user’s phone or computer.
* How effective is an AirTag in tracking down suspects? The use of an AirTag in this case led to the suspects being apprehended within an hour of the attack, demonstrating its effectiveness in tracking down suspects.
