top of page
Image of downtown Tulsa by Drew Harbour
Search

Tulsa Police K-9 finds tracker being used by suspected stalker

  • Writer: Preston Stanley
    Preston Stanley
  • Aug 27
  • 2 min read
A stock photo of a person holding up an Apple AirTag.

The Tulsa Police Department's electronic-sniffing K-9 helped find a tracker being used on a person earlier this month.


On August 18th, 2025, at 2:54 AM, Tulsa Police Officers responded to a prowler call around 4th and Sheridan. The victim reported hearing tapping on her windows and doors for several nights. She also received Apple AirTag notifications on her iPhone, indicating that an unknown AirTag was tracking her vehicle.


Officers confirmed the presence of an unpaired AirTag through the notifications but were initially unable to locate the device. Detective Williams and K-9 Ripley with our Sexual Predator Investigations/Digital Evidence Recovery Unit, or SPIDER Unit, were called in to assist.


With additional help from our Auto Theft Unit and their knowledge of vehicles, they conducted a thorough examination of the victim’s vehicle. The team successfully located the AirTag, which was carefully hidden within the vehicle’s frame.


The Tulsa Police Department’s Special Investigations Division is actively working to identify a suspect in this case.


This incident highlights the awesome collaboration between our different units to tackle a complex issue and underscores our commitment to public safety.


How to Protect Yourself


Tech, like Apple AirTags, can be misused by stalkers to track individuals without their consent. The Tulsa Police Department urges residents to stay alert and take the following steps to protect themselves:


  • Check Your Devices: If you receive notifications about an unknown AirTag or similar tracking device, take it seriously. These alerts may indicate that someone is attempting to monitor your movements.

  • Inspect Your Vehicle and Belongings: Tracking devices can be hidden in inconspicuous places, such as inside a car’s frame, wheel wells, or personal items like bags.

  • Contact Law Enforcement: If you suspect you are being tracked or stalked, immediately contact the Tulsa Police Department at (918) 596-9222 or call 911 for emergencies. Provide any relevant details, such as device notifications or suspicious activity.

  • Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Report any unusual activity, such as prowlers, unfamiliar vehicles, or strange noises around your home, to the police.


To enable tracker notifications on an iPhone:


  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

  2. Scroll down and tap on Privacy & Security.

  3. Tap on Location Services and ensure the toggle is on.

  4. Tap on System Services and ensure Find My iPhone is turned on.

  5. Go back to the main Settings menu and tap on Notifications.

  6. Scroll down to the "Notification Style" section and tap on Tracking Notifications.

  7. Toggle the Allow Notifications option on.


To enable tracker notifications on an Android device:


  1. Open: your device's Settings app.

  2. Scroll down: and tap on Safety & emergency.

  3. Tap: on Unknown tracker alerts.

  4. Toggle the switch: to the right to enable the feature.


The Tulsa Police Department is dedicated to keeping our community safe. If you believe you are being tracked or stalked, do not hesitate to reach out. Our Officers, Detectives, and specialized units, including K-9 teams, are ready to assist.

bottom of page