Stolen iPhone recovered in Mount Pleasant using ‘Find My iPhone’ app

Desean Edward Thomas, 26, is being held in Isabella County Jail following the theft of an iPhone from Old Mission Wine Cellar, 5030 S. Mission Road.

A store employee reported Sunday to the Michigan State Police Mount Pleasant Post that a customer stole his iPhone off the counter.

The trooper investigating the crime was able to get a description of Thomas, a Detroit native, by viewing video surveillance of the theft.

By using the iPhone tracker “Find my iPhone,” the victim was able to locate his phone in the vicinity of S. Mission St., north of E. Broomfield Road.

Sgt. Eric Sumpter said although this is the first case he has seen solved with the iPhone app, he believes the location system will help with stolen phones in the future, if used correctly.

“If the customer has enabled the internal GPS app on the iPhone or device, it will emit a signal … if it becomes lost or stolen, it will bring the customer to the device,” he said. “But if the person doesn’t enable it, it isn’t going to work.”

The trooper made a check at Buffalo Wild Wings, 1904 S. Mission St., where he observed Thomas sitting at a table with other subjects.

The trooper made contact and interviewed Thomas, who admitted to the theft.

The change of larceny in a building is a four-year felony.

The trooper was assisted by the Mount Pleasant Police Department.