A chilling kidnapping attempt in Odessa, Florida, was stopped after a suspect was caught on video placing an Apple AirTag tracking device under a victim’s car. The shocking footage, paired with rapid police response, led to the arrest of two suspects facing severe felony charges.
The video begins with nighttime surveillance showing a man crouched beside a vehicle parked in a residential driveway. The caption reveals the disturbing truth: “This man is about to commit a kidnapping in Odessa, FL.” The suspect appears calm and methodical, working discreetly beneath the car. What he is attaching is later confirmed to be an AirTag—a small tracking device used by criminals to stalk or follow victims without their knowledge.
According to the footage, the AirTag was taped beneath the victim’s vehicle, allowing the suspect to track the victim’s movements remotely. This tactic has become increasingly common in kidnapping attempts, domestic violence cases, and targeted crimes, making the footage especially alarming.
The scene then transitions to police bodycam video from later that evening. Officers conduct a traffic stop and make contact with the suspects. The bodycam captures the suspects’ faces clearly as the officer questions them. One appears visibly nervous as the officer stands by the vehicle window, taking note of their behavior and the vehicle details.
Captions identify the suspects as Luis Charles, 26, and Omardly Rodriguez, 32. Both men were reportedly involved in a coordinated effort to track, ambush, and abduct the intended victim. The officer’s calm yet firm commands reflect the seriousness of the situation as additional units arrive.
The final footage shows officers placing the suspects under arrest. Their charges are listed in the video:
- Armed Burglary of a Dwelling with Assault & Battery
- Armed Kidnapping
These charges highlight the severity of the suspects’ intentions. Had the AirTag not been discovered or the surveillance footage not been available, the crime could have escalated into a violent abduction with devastating results.
This incident demonstrates the growing danger of criminal misuse of tracking technology. AirTags, designed for locating lost items, have been repeatedly used by criminals to stalk victims. Law enforcement agencies nationwide are urging the public to remain vigilant and check their vehicles for unknown devices, especially at night or after being in public areas.
The Odessa case also shows the importance of surveillance technology and rapid police intervention. By combining the homeowner’s video with police bodycam evidence, authorities were able to quickly identify, locate, and arrest the suspects before the kidnapping could take place.
As more criminals adopt digital tracking tools, public awareness becomes essential. This case serves as a powerful reminder: even small devices can play a major role in major crimes.