Tracking Software Relocates Students' MacBook
Police used the tracking software in a USC student's stolen MacBook to relocate the computer and make an arrest Tuesday in downtown Los Angeles.
Police arrested Abimael Garcia, 29, who told detectives that he bought the MacBook on a street corner downtown.
A camera and tracking system built into the MacBook led police to Garcia's house in the Pico-Union district.
"We want everyone to know, if you buy a $1500 computer from a guy on the street for $150, it's probably stolen," Lt. Paul Vernon said. "And now, that computer may rat you out."
The 21-year-old USC student parked her car near the Fashion District on Oct. 22 and when she returned to her vehicle, the computer was gone. She had installed tracking software that record's the user's likeness and the computer's location when the program is activated.
"She came to the police station with screen shots of Garcia using the computer," Vernon said. "Our victim pretty much did the investigation for us."
Garcia was arrested on Nov. 4 and released the following day on $20,000 bail. Garcia is scheduled in court on Dec. 1.
