Florida Couple Kidnapped at Gunpoint in Their Driveway After Suspects Used Apple AirTags to Track Their Vehicle, Police Say
ODESSA, FLORIDA — A Florida couple returning home from a night out was ambushed and kidnapped at gunpoint in their own driveway by two men who had allegedly tracked their vehicle using Apple AirTags, authorities said.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the terrifying incident took place on August 19, when the victims pulled into their driveway around 10 p.m. and were confronted by 26-year-old Luis Charles and 32-year-old Omardy Maldonado Rodriguez.
Both suspects have since been arrested and charged with armed burglary and armed kidnapping, according to law enforcement officials.
Tracked by AirTag and Ambushed at Home
Surveillance footage shared by the sheriff’s office shows the couple arriving home in their SUV — unaware they were being followed. Investigators later discovered an “active Apple AirTag” taped to the underside of their vehicle, confirming that the suspects used the device to track the couple’s location.
Moments after the couple parked, the two armed men forced them out of their SUV and into their garage, officials said.
According to a probable cause affidavit, one suspect held the husband at gunpoint, demanding, “Give me what you have,” while the other suspect restrained the wife in the garage.
Physical Struggle and Escape
The victims fought back during a brief physical struggle as the men demanded money and valuables. The suspects eventually grabbed the husband’s keys and key fob, which triggered the home’s alarm system — forcing them to flee.
The suspects then ran to a getaway car parked nearby and took off before police arrived.
Deputies later found the AirTag device still transmitting a signal, allowing them to trace its serial number back to Apple’s registration records.
AirTag Leads Police Straight to Suspects
Detectives obtained Apple’s tracking data, which revealed that the AirTag used to follow the couple was registered to Luis Charles. Investigators also linked the getaway vehicle to Maldonado Rodriguez.
Court documents show the two men had been in frequent contact by phone for nearly two weeks before the kidnapping.
Police arrested Charles on October 9, who allegedly admitted to buying the AirTags used in the crime. Maldonado Rodriguez was arrested the following day, and both men were booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
The suspects are being held without bond on multiple felony charges, including armed burglary of a dwelling with assault or battery and armed kidnapping.
Technology meant for convenience has become a growing tool in stalking and tracking-related crimes, authorities warn. Police urge residents to regularly check their vehicles for unauthorized tracking devices and immediately report suspicious activity.
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