Forensic E-bike Analysis Leads to Jewelry Arrest

(IDEX Online) - Police arrested a man suspected of stealing $78,000 of jewelry after "forensic digital analysis" of his electric bike.

Investigators in Michigan, USA, linked its distinctive identifying features to their suspect, Scotty Hester, 54, after the pre-dawn break-in at Bogazy Fine Jewelry, in Clinton Township.

They say a suspect was seen on security images riding up to the store on an e-bike, punching out the front door lock with a tool, and stealing gold and diamond jewelry from display cases and a desk.

Police did not publicly spell out what was distinctive about the bike, but said it was "unique," which is why they could match it to the suspect, who was seen arriving at his home on the same bike.

Clinton Township police say Hester "has an extensive criminal history, including 23 prior felony convictions, and is currently on parole for 7 previous breaking and entering offenses."

The break-in was on 9 April. Hester was found with crack cocaine when he was arrested on 12 May. Bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety.