An automated crash alert led to two people found shot in a car, Georgia authorities say.
Officers found Beatriz Vega, 17, and Roberto Deleon, 19, in the early hours of Oct 12 in Douglasville after 911 dispatch received a crash alert from an iPhone, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said.
The iPhone crash detection feature is designed to recognise “severe car crashes – such as front-impact, side-impact, and rear-end collisions, and rollovers” and connects users with emergency services, according to Apple.
“Your iPhone reads the alert, in case you can’t see the screen,” the tech company’s website says. “If you have only your phone, the screen displays an Emergency Call slider and your phone can call emergency services.”
If the user doesn’t respond to the alert within 20 seconds, Apple says the device calls for help.
Authorities said there was no evidence of a wreck, however, and both occupants had gunshot wounds.
Vega and Deleon were taken to a hospital, where they died from their injuries, according to authorities.
Deputies didn’t release additional details but said the investigation is ongoing.
Douglasville is about a 20-mile drive west from downtown Atlanta. – The Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service
