The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Man allegedly uses iPhone app to impersonate police

A Cedar Rapids man was charged Sunday after he allegedly used an iPhone app to disguise his phone number and impersonate the Iowa City police.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, Thomas Garland, 24, was charged after a female reported to police that he had been calling and texting her phone, allegedly harassing her. The complaint said the woman said Garland sent numerous text messages to her, saying that he wanted his property returned. The texts allegedly included vulgarities and vague threats of bodily harm.

The complaint said the woman blocked Garland’s number. He then allegedly used an iPhone app that disguised his number, calling and texting her from different numbers. The complaint said Garland also used the app to call her, pretending to be the Iowa City police, using the app to display the police department’s number on the woman’s caller ID.

Garland has been charged with third-degree harassment.

— by Matt Starns

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