Stolen E-Bike Tracked Down Thanks to a Clever Gadget
Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 20, 2025, a Missoula Police Department officer spoke with a male who reported that his e-bike was stolen from a local bar. The male stated the e-bike had been parked, locked, and outside the bar for approximately one month, as it was having motor issues. The male stated the e-bike is still usable without the motor, and he believed someone had ridden off with it.
When he arrived at work on the 20th, he found the e-bike was gone. He reviewed video, which did not identify a suspect clearly, but did display that the e-bike lock was cut and taken on the 17th at approximately 10:24 p.m.
He also said that the e-bike had added accessories, including a metal basket on the handlebars, a water bottle holder, a water bottle, and an Apple Air Tag. He estimated the e-bike to be valued at $1,400, and with the accessories, the total value of the bike to be $2,000.
Apple Air Tag Leads the Way
On September 23, at approximately 5:07 a.m., he was notified that his Air Tag had moved and was pinging in the 8600 block of Snapdragon in Missoula County. An officer gathered information to author a search warrant for a nearby residence, which was authorized by Judge Larson.
Members of the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrant. The e-bike was located inside the garage. The e-bike had been spray-painted black. Deputies also located and seized a grinder that they know is commonly used for grinding serial numbers off of items. They also seized the bicycle basket and water bottle holder that the owner had originally reported was on the e-bike.
Neither occupants of the home were present, a female and 60-year-old James Wright. Deputies had learned earlier in the day that Wright and the female were to be evicted from the residence, and it was believed they were going to move out that night. A deputy responded to the residence and attempted contact at the front door. After multiple knocks, movement was heard inside the residence, but no one initially came to the door. After several minutes of knocking, the female and Wright opened the front door.
READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports
The Female and Wright Were Interviewed
The female admitted she was aware of the e-bike but maintained that she did not know it was stolen or that it was painted. A deputy asked Wright about the e-bike, and Wright stated that a man named Cody with a dog had dropped the e-bike off a few days prior.
Wright stated Cody was out of town. The deputy observed what appeared to be faint dark coloring on Wright’s hands with sparkles that matched the bike. Wright claimed it was from grease.
Wright was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, felony theft, and criminal mischief.
The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.
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Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff