This story is quite the adventure! An airport worker in Florida was arrested after a traveler tracked down her lost luggage right to his home.
Paola Garcia, a Spirit Airlines passenger, experienced every traveler’s nightmare. She checked in her pink suitcase before her March 3 flight, but it never showed up at the baggage claim in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Garcia initially thought her luggage would be sent to her home, as she was told by the airline. But, to her surprise, the next morning, her Apple Watch signaled its location from a house in Fort Lauderdale.
Desperate to retrieve her computer for a university test, Garcia went to the address. She was shocked to see suitcases scattered all over the property. Concerned and determined, she recorded a video and called the police.
The police identified the house resident as Junior Bazile, an airport retail store employee. He was found to be on duty the day Garcia’s luggage vanished. Surveillance images later showed Bazile rummaging through her suitcase at the store. He was arrested on March 8 and charged with grand theft.
In her suitcase, Garcia had valuable items such as an Apple MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, jewelry, high-end women’s clothing, toiletries, and the suitcase itself.
Spirit Airlines issued a reimbursement check to Garcia as a goodwill gesture, despite no evidence showing their employees’ involvement.
Bazile’s employer, Paradies Shops, took swift action. Upon learning about the incident, they terminated his employment immediately. They have cooperated with the police throughout the investigation.
This isn’t the only story of passengers taking matters into their own hands. Earlier this year, NBC4 Washington reported a woman used an IP address to track down a man who stole her laptop at Dulles International Airport.
These incidents highlight the importance of vigilance for travelers. It’s reassuring to know that with technology like Apple’s tracking devices, personal belongings can be traced, even leading to significant outcomes like this one.
