In a neighborhood plagued by stolen deliveries, a vigilant resident takes action to apprehend a porch pirate.

The Neighborhood’s Plight

Carlos Mejia, a resident of Richmond Hill, Queens, alongside his neighbors, grew weary of constant package thefts from their doorsteps. Determined to put an end to the pilfering, Mejia devised a plan to catch the culprit in the act.

The Decoy Package Prank

Mejia strategically placed decoy packages outside his home, baiting the thief into revealing himself. The tactic proved successful when the suspect fell for the trap, attempting to snatch one of the dummy parcels.

Confrontation and Detainment

Caught on security camera footage, the thief nonchalantly approaches a residence, seizing the decoy package. However, before he could make off with his ill-gotten goods, Mejia emerges, wielding a baseball bat, and confronts the perpetrator.

What you got in that bag? Mejia demands, interrupting the thief’s escape. The suspect, visibly flustered, claims ownership of the pilfered items but is quickly detained by Mejia.

Legal Ramifications

Victor Stazzone, identified as the perpetrator, faced charges including petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and criminal trespass, as reported by the NYPD. The swift actions of Mejia and the collaboration with law enforcement led to the apprehension of the thief.

Conclusion: A Community Takes a Stand

The incident in Queens serves as a testament to the power of community vigilance in combating crime. Through proactive measures and collaboration with authorities, residents like Carlos Mejia demonstrate their resolve to safeguard their neighborhoods from illicit activities.

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