The iPad Hero That Rescued a Stolen Car in Bloomington
Unraveling the Sneaky Scam
The Bloomington Police Department recently put a stingy chauffeur in cuffs after a slick con‑artist managed to snatch a rental vehicle from the JW Marriott. Chief Mike Utecht told reporters that the crook claimed his wife had the valet ticket and he simply needed something from inside the car—clearly a ruse to get past the locks.
How the iPad Came Into Play
It turns out the victim had an iPad handy, which recorded the whole escapade. The device was the key that helped police track the stolen car and bring the perpetrator to justice.
- Police Move: The municipal police chief—Mike Utecht—announced the arrest immediately after the exchange.
- Device Advantage: An iPad’s camera footage gave the chase a straight‑up edge.
- Outcome: The stolen vehicle was recovered, and the con man is now facing charges.
Takeaway
In a world where a quick snap to a smartphone can solve a crime, always keep your gadgets ready—and maybe call the cops if you suspect a valet trick.
The Great Chase: An iPad, a Car, and a Fast‑Lane Fugitive
So there it was—just a regular Tuesday, a car, and an iPad that somehow ended up in the hands of a victim’s stepson. The folks who found it didn’t just stash it on the side of the road; they hacked the device, turned it into a GPS tracker, and soon the map led straight to the city of Minneapolis.
First Stop: Minneapolis
- The car was found parked in a quiet street, no one to say who might have pulled it off.
- Police were called, but before they could get close, the suspect hopped back into the car and sped away.
From Minneapolis to St. Paul
Undeterred, the law‑enforcement squad followed the trail. The chase landed them in a McDonald’s parking lot in St. Paul—a classic spot for a “meal break” that in this case turned into a captured moment.
Arrest & Custody
- The suspect was quickly wrangled and taken into custody by the Bloomington police.
- He’s no stranger to the justice system: three outstanding warrants were already hanging over his head, including a parole violation.
It’s a reminder that even the most ordinary objects—like an iPad—can ignite a high‑speed chase and lead to a surprisingly comedic (yet dramatic) episode on the road. The story also highlights the role of technology: a little app, a quick tracker, and a determined team of officers can turn a runaway vehicle into a quick solve.
