Police: Man who pickpocketed 100 cellphones from Coachella attendees caught by ‘Find My iPhone’ app

A Queens, New York, man accused of stealing more than 100 cellphones from attendees at Coachella was reportedly caught after festivalgoers located their phones using their “Find My iPhone” application.

The New York Post reported that Reinaldo De Jesus Henao, 36, is believed to have done most of his dirty work Friday night at the Sahara Tent. Indio police Sgt. Dan Marshall said Henao’s plan was foiled thanks to the Apple app.

“A bunch people activated their ‘Find My Phone’ and pointed at, ‘Hey, it’s that guy, my phone, my dot, it’s moving with that guy,’” Sgt. Marshall commented.

Several attendees followed Henao around the venue before getting security involved. The 36-year-old was arrested at about 12:15 am on Saturday. Sgt. Marshall claimed the suspect “was quickly detained by security until law enforcement officers could arrive.”

Officers supposedly located a plethora of cellphones in Henao’s backpack. Some phones were immediately returned to their owners while others were left at a lost-and-found location, according to The Desert Sun.

Sgt. Marshall didn’t indicate whether the Queens man flew clear across the country to the festival solely to swipe phones.

He is currently facing grand theft and receiving stolen property charges. Records from the Correctional Facility in Banning indicated Henao was released after posting $10,000 bail on Saturday.

About 100,000 people will attend the second weekend (April 21-23) of the Indio, California, festival. The Sun reported that officials recommended that concertgoers attach valuables to themselves using an elastic band and carrying a “dummy” phone or wallet to thwart theft.

[Featured Image: Cathedral City Police Department]