Hunter
07/01/24
A cellphone in a stolen backpack led Iowa City police to the location of the suspected thief Saturday night.
Police took a report of a stolen backpack containing various items, including a cellphone. The victim was able to track the phone using a location sharing app, and led the officer to the residence of 32-year-old Willie Collins of South Van Buren Street.
The officer was sitting down the street from the residence when Collins reportedly left and began walking away. The app showed the stolen phone moving in the same direction, and Collins was apprehended.
Collins claimed he had “accidentally” taken the victim’s backpack and was on his way to return the stolen cellphone, without knowing the owner of the phone or where they were located.
Post arrest, the stolen phone was reportedly located. Collins allegedly made several statements referencing the location of the stolen backpack and the goods within. Value of the stolen items was estimated at $700.
Collins was charged with 3rd degree theft due to prior theft convictions. He faces up to two years in jail if found guilty.