By The Canadian Press

RCMP arrest suspect traced through uploaded selfie on stolen iPhone

Jul 27, 2016 | 9:55 AM

NANAIMO, B.C. — RCMP have arrested a man suspected of taking a photo of himself with an iPhone they say was stolen in Nanaimo, B.C.

Const. Gary O’Brien says in a news release that the 39-year-old was arrested less than 48 hours after the selfie was circulated on social media.

The man, who hasn’t been named, is charged with theft under $5,000.

Police say the case began July 5 when a man grabbed a woman’s purse, containing her iPhone.

Police say the woman purchased a new phone the next day and it automatically uploaded photos from her old phone, including one of the man.

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O’Brien says the “infinite wisdom” of uploading the photo, as well as the resulting attention on social media, helped officers make an arrest.

The Canadian Press