"Find my iPhone" Leads Cops to Thieves

Cranston Police caught three men who they say were rummaging through cars in the Woodridge section of the city last night after using the Apple "Find my iPhone" feature of a phone that was reported stolen.

Police said they arrested Travis Prout-Erinakes, 25, of 129 Pleasant St., Cranston; Marques Gore, 21, of 12 Jean Terrace, Newport; and Necoma Marshall, 21, of 87 Ring St., Providence around 4:30 a.m. this morning after they stopped the three men in the car they were driving thanks to the iPhone tracking app.

Police said they were dispatched to the area around 4:30 a.m. after a man visiting his friend on Firethorn Lane reported that his car was rummaged through and his phone was stolen. The car was unlocked.

The caller told police that he was using the iPhone tracking feature and saw the phone was being transported away from the scene. While staying on the phone with dispatch, the location of the suspects was relayed to police. 

Officers Bradford Duclos, Louis Pezzullo and Derik Braga monitored the locations and were able to spot a the suspects in a black Nissan Altima on Macon Street. They boxed the car in before the men could flee.

Police said the three men inside the car were "out of breath and all soaking wet from the rain" but claimed they never got out of the car.

Dispatch then dialed the number of the stolen iPhone and police heard it ring in Marshall's back pocket.

In addition to the iPhone, police said the three suspects stole a woman's change purse, two pairs of sunglasses, watches, GPS units and loose change with a total value of more than $1,600.

Using the "home" feature of the GPS units, police were able to determine several of the larcenies occurred on Kearsage Drive and Firethorn Lane. 

All three were charged with receiving stolen goods and conspiracy to receive stolen goods.

Police said Gore also had two outstanding warrants out for his arrest.

Police continue to investigate.

Gore is being held without bail.

Prout and Marshall are due to appear in District Court on Oct. 2 for arraignment.