Actions

Cell phone ping saves grandmother trapped off a Virginia highway

Posted at 8:01 PM, Oct 20, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-21 06:49:05-04

MECHANICSVILLE, Va. – A five-hour search ensued after 76-year-old grandmother Emily Apple disappeared in Henrico. Apple was last seen driving behind her sister off Interstate 295.

Soon afterward, a multi-jurisdictional manhunt ensued.

It was pitch black outside, and hours passed while the family frantically searched along with police.

"I got up and I went looking for my mom," son Rodney Apple said. "My mom didn't have her cell phone with her, she didn't have her oxygen.”

Around midnight investigators caught a break when they realized they could use a cell phone to track the car.

Apple's sister had left her cell phone in the car Apple was driving. Police were able to ping the cell phone's location, which lead them to a swampy area off Interstate 295 near Creighton Road.

"The car was on its side, in daylight you would of seen it clearly but it was so dark you couldn't see anything," Apple’s son said.

Miraculously, Apple only suffered minor injuries. She was transported to VCU Medical Center for treatment and tests, though family said she remained in good spirits.

"She was smiling from ear to ear because she knew it was a miracle," Caroline Apple, Apple's granddaughter, said.

Caroline said it is a lesson to always keep your cell phone nearby.

"It's very good when it comes to tracking because you don't know when someone you love is missing," Caroline said.

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.