Nanaimo RCMP Arrest Suspect Traced Through Uploaded Selfie On Stolen iPhone

The Canadian Press, 27 Jul, 2016 01:08 PM

NANAIMO, B.C. — RCMP have arrested a man suspected of taking a photo of himself with an iPhone they say was stolen in Nanaimo, B.C.

Const. Gary O'Brien says in a news release that the 39-year-old was arrested less than 48 hours after the selfie was circulated on social media.

The man, who hasn't been named, is charged with theft under $5,000.

Police say the case began July 5 when a man grabbed a woman's purse, containing her iPhone.

Police say the woman purchased a new phone the next day and it automatically uploaded photos from her old phone, including one of the man.

O'Brien says the "infinite wisdom" of uploading the photo, as well as the resulting attention on social media, helped officers make an arrest.

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