Tech as a Witness

Tech as a Witness
Jimbo,
Launch Of The Apple Iphone 18 Pro And 18 Pro Max In New York City
An iPhone 18 Pro and An iPhone 18 Pro Max are displayed at the Apple Fifth Avenue flagship store during the launch of the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in New York City, US, September 18, 2026. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

A Florida man is facing a hit-and-run charge after authorities say his own iPhone helped lead deputies to him.

Investigators in Lee County say Christopher Brewer crashed his Tesla into a light pole and two trees, causing an estimated $20,000 in damage. Deputies say Brewer left the scene, but his iPhone’s crash detection feature automatically called 911 when it sensed the collision. According to Apple, the feature contacts emergency services if the user doesn’t respond within 30 seconds of a detected crash.

Deputies later tracked Brewer down at a nearby home after learning he had not gone to the hospital as reported. He’s now charged with hit-and-run. (WBAL-TV Baltimore)

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