Reply #114: Cellphone led FBI to Times Square car bomb suspect arrest

[Ian David]

Cellphone led FBI to Times Square car bomb suspect arrest

The number from a disposable cellphone led FBI agents to the suspect arrested Monday night for allegedly driving a car bomb into Times Square on Saturday evening, according to a senior official.

“They were able to basically get one phone number and by running it through a number of databases, figure out who they thought the guy was,” the official said.

<snip>

The man had offered the vehicle on Craigslist, and FBI agents were able to recover the number from a disposable cellphone that had been used by the buyer.

The suspect didn't still have the phone. But using a lot of technology and access to database, agents located the suspect.

More:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0510/36738.html

My guess is either:

a) He paid for the phone with his credit card
b) He used the phone to check his regular email account
c) He used the phone to call Mommy
d) He used the phone to book his flight to Dubai