Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — Apple tracking technology helped police identify and arrest a theft suspect in Fargo, according to court documents.
Tyler John Budke, of Fargo, is charged with two counts of theft.
He faces one felony theft count and one misdemeanor theft count.
Theft Reported Near Essentia Hospital
According to court documents, Fargo police responded on December 27 at about 8:50 a.m.
Officers were sent to the parking lot of Essentia Health in Fargo.
A victim told officers his vehicle had been broken into overnight.
The victim said the theft happened the night before at the Windbreak.
He reported several items were missing from his vehicle.
Those items included a laptop, a backpack, and a 9mm handgun.
Apple Tracking Helps Locate Items
The victim told police he could track the laptop using Apple tracking tools.
He provided location information to officers, according to the complaint.
Investigators used that information to follow up on the reported theft.
Court documents say the tracking data helped lead officers to a suspect.
Police later arrested Budke during the investigation, according to the filing.
Charges Filed
Budke is now charged with felony and misdemeanor theft in Fargo.
The case will move through the court process in Cass County, North Dakota.
North Dakota theft laws can be found here: N.D.C.C. Chapter 12.1-23 (Theft).
As in all criminal cases, a defendant is presumed innocent in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.