Deputies: Florida Tesla driver fled crash, but iPhone’s automatic 911 call led them straight to him
LEE COUNTY, Fla. —
A Florida man was accused of a hit-and-run after his iPhone’s crash detection feature automatically called 911, alerting deputies to a crash he reportedly caused.
Deputies said Christopher Brewer was accused of crashing his Tesla into a light pole and two trees in a Lee County community Sunday night, causing approximately $20,000 in damage. When deputies arrived, the debris had been cleaned up, and Brewer was reportedly not at the scene.
The arrest report stated that Brewer and another person told Miromar Lakes security that he was going to the hospital. However, deputies later learned from a woman that Brewer was at her house and had not gone to the hospital.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO)
Christopher Brewer
Deputies said the 911 call came in just past 9:30 p.m. as an automated crash notification from Brewer’s iPhone.
According to Apple, the crash detection feature can identify a crash and display a notification. If the user does not respond within 30 seconds, the phone automatically calls 911.
Brewer is facing a charge of hit-and-run.
