Deputies Use iPhone to Find Robbery Suspect

A pool cleaner suspected of robbing a former client at gunpoint in Rancho Palos Verdes on Friday was arrested several hours later by deputies thanks to GPS technology in an Apple iPhone, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Juan Carlos Marroquin, 41, was arrested at an address in the 1500 block of 257th Street in Harbor City on suspicion of robbery and booked into jail at the Lomita Sheriff's Station.

Authorities believe Marroquin is the masked gunman who robbed a woman inside her bedroom in the 32000 block of Pacifica Drive. The gunman demanded money and jewelry from the victim, and when she complied, he forced her to lie on the floor before ordering her into a closet.

"The victim was in fear for her life as she dialed 911 from her cellphone," said Sgt. Doug Shive in a news release. "Deputies responded quickly, but the suspect had fled the house prior to their arrival."

The victim's daughter called deputies about three hours later, saying that an iPhone was stolen in the robbery, Shive said. Deputies used the iPhone's GPS technology to track the phone to an address on the 1500 block of 257th Street in Harbor City.

Deputies obtained a search warrant and discovered the stolen iPhone and a black handgun in Marroquin's bedroom, Shive said.

Upon further investigation, deputies discovered that the victim's husband had hired Marroquin four months earlier to clean the family's swimming pool, Shive said.

"The Sheriff's Department recommends using great caution when allowing workers access to your property," Shive said. "Please get references, recommendations, and check business licenses. Report all suspicious activity in your neighborhood to local law enforcement."

Marroquin is being held on $150,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Anyone with additional information should call Sgt. Stan Baillif of the Lomita Sheriff's Station at 310-891-3205. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477, text TIPLA plus the tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or use the website lacrimestoppers.org.