Chicago Sun-Times
EVANSTON, Ill. — Chances are, Larry “Smitty” Cox had no idea one of the cell phones he’s accused of stealing from a parked car in Evanston Monday was equipped with a GPS tracking device and a blaring alarm.
Police activated the tracking device, which led them to a home in the 1900 block of Foster Avenue, Evanston police said. Officers then activated the phone’s alarm, which sounded in the building’s basement.
Police found the cell phone and other suspected stolen items, investigators said. They found Cox, 48, who lives in the basement, hiding in a nearby backyard.
Cox is now charged with burglary to auto, possession of stolen property and unlawful use of a credit card, all felonies. Another Evanston man, William Nelson Jr., 49, is accused of unlawful use of a credit card. Investigators say Nelson and Cox together used stolen credit cards taken during the auto break-in.
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