A local police chief in New York state said growing frustration over an increase in petty thefts is causing good Samaritans to disrupt police efforts.
For example, this week in Westchester County, New York, Good Samaritans in Yonkers helped stop and apprehend a suspected “porch pirate” on the run from law enforcement.
Francisco Jose Edel Mateo, 27, of the Bronx, New York City, was slammed to the ground by a city worker who got out of his car as the burglary suspect tried to pass, authorities said in footage released by authorities. It was revealed.
Good Samaritans helped subdue Edel Mateo, and Yonkers police officers quickly arrested him.
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Francisco Jose Edel Mateo was thrown to the ground and arrested by Yonkers police on suspicion of stealing a package from a porch. (Yonkers PD)
The pursuit began around 2:30 p.m. on January 3, when Eder Mateo was captured on Ring doorbell video stealing several packages from his door, the New York Post reported. has been done.
The homeowner was not home, but he saw the footage on his cell phone and called police.
“I witnessed someone steal two packages on my Ring camera,” the homeowner said, according to audio released by the police department.
Yonkers police released body camera footage showing a city police officer asking Eder Mateo to stop as he was walking on a sidewalk in a residential area before the burglary suspect attacked him.
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“This video shows what happens when everyone works together seamlessly to stop crime,” Yonkers Police Department wrote in a press release. (Yonkers PD)
But it wasn't long before Eder Mateo was tackled by a public works worker, with a police officer right behind him.
“This video shows what happens when everyone works together seamlessly to stop crime,” Yonkers Police Department wrote in a press release.
Yonkers Police Chief Christopher Sapienza said in an interview with Fox News Digital that there is “clear frustration” among citizens about the recent increase in property crimes, and that some people are disrupting police operations. said.
“There is a clear dissatisfaction with property crimes in general, including shoplifting, theft, stolen vehicles, and many other crimes that are common these days,” Sapienza said.
Sapienza said he was grateful for the good Samaritan's help.[A]At the same time, we don't want to put civilians in a dangerous situation. ”
“We are trained and equipped to handle these types of situations,” he said.
Sapienza said the city of Yonkers is still grappling with a “post-COVID lawlessness situation” and newly passed state laws that make crime reduction more difficult.
“We don't believe in small crimes here in Yonkers. We believe that every crime matters. We've seen small crimes turn into bigger crimes,” he said. said.
But new measures such as bail reform and raising the age of criminal responsibility “make it difficult to do our job and keep people behind bars,” Sapienza said.
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Edel Mateo was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree possession of stolen property, both felonies. (Yonkers PD)
Yonkers Police say, “To all future thieves who are planning these crimes in Yonkers, please choose another location. Our residents, officials, and city employees are asking you to continue victimizing people in this city.'' I will not tolerate this in silence,” he wrote.
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Edel Mateo was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, police said.
