Florida Burglars Use Apple AirTag to Track and Abduct Couple in Home Invasion Nightmare

Florida Burglars Use Apple AirTag to Track, Abduct Couple in Terrifying Home Invasion

Odessa, FL — In a chilling incident that has left the community shaken, two Florida men are accused of using an Apple AirTag to track a couple before ambushing them at gunpoint in their own garage. The harrowing home invasion, described by officials as “every family’s worst nightmare,” unfolded on August 19 in Odessa.

Luis Charles, 26, and Odardy Maldonado-Rodriguez, 32, allegedly affixed the location tracker to the couple’s SUV, following them back to their residence. As the unsuspecting victims exited their vehicle in their driveway, the duo struck, rushing them into the garage at gunpoint, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Surveillance footage released by authorities shows the suspects springing into action as the couple stepped out of their car. One assailant, clad in a high-visibility safety vest and a bright green shirt, brandished a firearm while seizing the woman from the passenger seat. The second suspect, dressed in darker attire, including a hoodie and mask, targeted the male driver.

In a display of bravery, the woman fought back against her captor, forcing him to carry her inside the home. “To be ambushed at gunpoint in the very place you should feel safest is every family’s worst nightmare,” remarked Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

Fortunately, an alarm was triggered during the ordeal, prompting the suspects to flee before law enforcement arrived.

Authorities quickly launched an investigation, leading to Charles’ arrest during a traffic stop in Tampa on October 8. Bodycam footage captured the moment he was taken into custody. Just two days later, Maldonado-Rodriguez was apprehended in nearby Pasco County.

Both men now face a slew of serious charges, including armed burglary, two counts of armed kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, false imprisonment, and illegal installation of a tracking device. Sheriff Chronister expressed relief at their capture, stating, “Thanks to the work of our detectives, these dangerous criminals are now behind bars where they belong, and the victims, along with our community, can rest a little easier.”

In a troubling twist, while in custody, Charles was also charged with sexual battery involving a minor, according to jail records. Both suspects are currently being held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail, with a federal hold placed on Charles by Border Patrol and ICE.

As the investigation continues, the community remains on high alert, reminded of the vulnerabilities that can exist even in the safety of one’s home.