Authorities have revealed that a phone number logged in a federal database proved key in finding the man suspected of trying to detonate a car bomb in New York City.

The New York Times has reported that a law enforcement official said on Wednesday the suspect, Faisal Shahzad, supplied the phone number when he returned to the United States from Pakistan in February.

The Times further said that number was placed in a Customs and Border Protection agency register. The unnamed official said investigators realized "that was the guy we were looking for" when the number popped up as they were checking the record of calls made to or from a prepaid cellphone. The unnamed official said the phone had been used by the as-yet-unidentified owner of the sport utility vehicle used in the failed bombing.

It was further reported that once Shahzad, a 30-year-old Pakistani-American, was identified as a suspect, his name was placed on a no-fly list that led to his arrest as he was about to leave the country.

Officials said that he is now charged with terrorism-related crimes and has waived his right to a speedy arraignment. Authorities say Shahzad has admitted driving the car bomb into Times Square Saturday. (With Inputs from Agencies)