In a shocking incident, two burglars in Florida allegedly tracked down a couple using an Apple AirTag, leading to a harrowing home invasion where the couple was briefly abducted at gunpoint in their own garage. Authorities described the event as “every family’s worst nightmare.”
Luis Charles, 26, and Odardy Maldonado-Rodriguez, 32, reportedly attached the tracking device to the bottom of the unsuspecting pair’s SUV, then followed them back to their residence in Odessa, where they ambushed the couple on August 19, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
The assailants approached the victims as they exited their vehicle in the driveway, forcing them into the garage. Video footage shared by law enforcement illustrates the frightening confrontation.
During the ambush, one of the suspects, donned in a high-visibility safety vest and a neon green shirt, brandished a firearm as he pulled the woman from the passenger seat.
The second assailant, attired in dark clothing, a hoodie, and a mask, seized the male driver.
The armed intruders forced the couple into their home, although the woman struggled and ultimately compelled the visible assailant to carry her inside.
“Being ambushed at gunpoint in the sanctuary of your own home is every family’s worst nightmare,” remarked Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.
An alarm was activated, prompting the suspects to flee prior to the arrival of law enforcement, according to sheriff’s officials.
Charles was apprehended by police in Tampa during a routine traffic stop on October 8.
Body camera footage captured the moment he was taken into custody outside his vehicle. Just two days later, Maldonado-Rodriguez was arrested in nearby Pasco County.
Both individuals have been charged with multiple offenses, including armed burglary, two counts of armed kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, false imprisonment, and the unlawful installation of a tracking device.
“Thanks to our detectives’ diligent work, these dangerous criminals are now behind bars, providing some peace of mind to the victims and the community,” noted Chronister.
While in custody, Charles also faced an additional charge of sexual battery involving a familial or custodial authority against a minor aged between 12 and 18, as revealed by jail records accessed by The Post.
Both suspects currently remain incarcerated at a Hillsborough County jail without the option for bond.
A “Border Patrol – Federal, ICE Notification” hold has been placed on Charles.
