In a recent incident at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, a Spirit Airlines passenger made a remarkable discovery when she tracked down her stolen luggage using the tracking feature on her Apple Watch.
Paola Garcia, the flyer in question, managed to successfully track down her missing luggage by utilizing the tracking feature on her Apple Watch.
The incident took place at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida.
After her arrival at the airport, Garcia eagerly awaited her small pink hardshell luggage, which contained valuable items such as her personal MacBook and two Apple Watches.
However, to her dismay, her luggage never appeared on the baggage carousel.
She had always carried her luggage on previous flights without any issues, but this time, Spirit Airlines employees insisted that she check it before departing from New York.
As time passed, other travelers picked up their bags, and Garcia became more and more desperate. She understood how crucial her possessions were, particularly her computer that she needed for her studies.
After that, she took matters into her own hands. She waited for hours, but her luggage never appeared on the rotating conveyor belt.
Passenger tracks down missing luggage to Florida airport worker's home using Apple Watch pings
Days later, Garcia received a ping from one of her Apple Watches, indicating that it was located not at the airport but a a residence 15 minutes away in Fort Lauderdale.
Determined to retrieve her belongings, she went to the house and discovered her suitcase, but her valuables were missing. Concerned for her safety, she immediately contacted the authorities.
After an investigation, it was revealed that the house belonged to Junior Bazile, an employee of the airport's retail store, Paradies Shops.
Bazile had been working on the day Garcia arrived in Fort Lauderdale, and subsequent evidence showed him rummaging through her suitcase.
The Broward Sheriff's Office arrested Bazile on charges of grand theft, as the stolen items were valued at over $750.
There may be a larger group involved in the incident.
Garcia suspects that Bazile may be part of a larger group involved in luggage theft at the airport. She believes that a single individual couldn't carry out such operations alone.
However, law enforcement has not disclosed how Bazile managed to steal the luggage.
In response to the incident, Spirit Airlines issued a statement noting that they reimbursed Garcia as a courtesy, although they were not aware of any involvement by their employees.
The airline assured the public that they take such allegations seriously and are conducting an investigation.
