Find My Phone App Nabs Suspect With Help From Santa Cruz Police

A couple who parked their truck on Harvey West Boulevard Thursday to watch a Pop Warner Football game had a wallet and a cell phone stolen.

Using their “Find My Phone” app, they were able to track movement of the phone from downtown to the Homeless Services Center at 115 Coral Street.  They called the police and when Officer Fincutter arrived, the victim rode with her as they tracked the phone across the pedestrian footbridge over the San Lorenzo River to Felker Street, down Felker Street, to Ferrell’s Donuts on Ocean Street. 

The victim sent an alert to her phone and which started beeping as a man came out of the donut shop and couldn't shut it off.

Police arrested Dennis Allen Ballard, 45, who lists his address as transient or 115 Coral Street. Police said Ballard has an extensive history of arrests including drug and trespassing charges, including eight arrests in 2013. 

Police also found a watch on Ballard (see photo) and are looking for its owner.