'Find My IPhone' Tracks Down Stolen Car After Owner Left Dog, IPhone Inside: Police

JACKSON, NJ — A Howell Township woman is facing theft charges after she stole a car from a convenience store parking lot after the owner left her Shih Tzu and her iPhone in the car, along with the keys in the ignition, Jackson Township police said.

Jaclyn Rose, 29, who has addresses in Howell and Yardville, is facing two counts of theft — one for the car, one for the dog — and a charge of driving with a suspended license after the incident Wednesday evening, Jackson Capt. Steven Laskiewicz said.

But Laskiewicz also issued a warning to motorists: Stop leaving your cars unlocked with the keys inside at a store. And don't leave your dog in the car, either.

"Similar incidents have occurred in the township in the past and residents are again reminded not to leave their unsecured vehicles, running or not, with the keys inside in front of a store as they go inside as it provides those who may be looking for an easy target with an opportunity to take their belongings or vehicle," Laskiewicz said. "Animal owners should also exercise caution in leaving unattended animals inside vehicles."

Jackson Police Officers Sean Greenberger and Stephen Cilento responded to the Quick Chek on Leesville Road Wednesday evening for a 6:41 p.m. call reporting the stolen car that contained the victim’s dog, a Shih Tzu. The victim told the officers she had parked her 2011 Hyundai in front of the store and left the car unlocked with the keys in the ignition. The car was not running, she told police.

The victim told police she saw a woman leaning against a post in front of the store as the victim went inside, and when she exited, the woman and the Hyundai were gone, Laskiewicz said.

The victim said she left her iPhone in the car as well, and with the assistance of a good Samaritan’s phone, was able to access the Find my iPhone app and determine that the phone was on Interstate 195 westbound, Laskiewicz said. New Jersey State Police were contacted and as Greenberger updated police dispatch with the phone’s location, state troopers were able to find and stop the vehicle on Route 129 in Trenton, he said. The driver was later identified as the woman the victim had seen in front of the store, he said.

The dog also was recovered. Greenberger and Cilento then drove the victim to retrieve her car and dog, Laskiewicz said. Then the officers accompanied the State Police to the Hamilton Barracks where the troopers processed and signed complaints against Rose before Jackson police took custody of her to take her back to Jackson Police headquarters, he said.

In addition to the theft charges, police determined Rose had outstanding warrants for her arrest out of Ewing Township and Hamilton, Laskiewicz said. She is being held at the Ocean County Jail, Toms River.

Jaclyn Rose photo via Ocean County Corrections Department