iPhone app aids arrest for vehicle burglary

Thanks to teamwork and technology, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested John Mulier, 45, for vehicle burglary.

A sergeant patrolling in the 800 block of Blackburn Point Road Monday noticed a shattered window on a vehicle and stopped to investigate. He located the owner of the vehicle, who determined his Apple iPhone S had also been stolen. The victim called his wife, who activated the “Find my iPhone” application on her iPad. At the same time, a deputy who arrived to assist activated the same feature on his iPhone.

The phone was tracked to an apartment complex near Ashton Way and deputies began following a vehicle that was making the exact movements as shown on the app. Deputies stopped a gold 2000 Mercury being driven by Mulier and located the iPhone, a hammer with glass shards on it, marijuana and other drug related items.

Mulier is charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, grand theft, possession of marijuana and possession of narcotic equipment.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].