Left: Francisco Jose Eder Mateo is allegedly seen stealing packages from a porch in Yonkers, New York. Right: a Yonkers public works employee stops Eder Mateo as he apparently tries to flee police. Inset: Francisco Jose Eder Mateo (via Yonkers Police Department).
A man police in New York are calling a “good Samaritan” apparently helped take down a porch pirate who was trying to flee after being busted by cops.
Francisco Jose Eder Mateo, 27, of the Bronx, was seen on home security footage nicking a few packages from a porch in Yonkers on Jan. 3, according to the Yonkers Police Department.
“Christmas may be over, but the spirit of the Grinch is still alive in some people,” the police said in a Facebook post.
Eder Mateo, the statement says, “decided that he was going to steal some packages from the porch of one of our residents. Unfortunately for him, our 2nd Precinct Officers were ready for him.”
Taking note of his attire, Yonkers police said that Eder Mateo was unable to escape the watchful eye of local cops — and, in this case, one city worker.
“Despite his camouflaged jacket, Officers were able to spot Eder Mateo pretty easily,” the statement says.
Body-worn camera footage shows a police officer trying to approach Eder Mateo as he walks down the sidewalk. Instead of stopping, the accused porch pirate picked up the pace before breaking into a run.
The home security footage then picks up Eder Mateo as he runs back down the street. A man is seen getting out of his car as Eder Mateo approaches and body-checks the would-be thief, knocking him fully to the ground. Police then catch up and descend on him.
“He thought he was getting away, until he was stopped in his tracks by a Yonkers public works employee who saw him running from the Officers,” the Facebook post says. “This Good Samaritan got out of his car and knocked Eder Mateo to the ground, allowing the closely pursuing Officers to apprehend him.”
Eder Mateo was charged with felony grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, as well as additional misdemeanors.
“This video shows what happens when everyone works together seamlessly to stop crime,” the police statement says. “A resident sees a crime and quickly calls it in allowing Officers to get on the scene quickly, Officers flood the area to ensure the suspect can’t get away despite his attempted fleeing, finished off by a Good Samaritan who saw an opportunity to help our Officers capture a suspect and took that opportunity — right to him.”
The statement closes with a warning.
“To any future thieves planning to commit these crimes in Yonkers — pick somewhere else,” Yonkers Police warned. “Our residents, Officers, and City employees will not stand by and allow you to victimize people in this City. You will be apprehended and delivered to the court system to answer for your actions.”
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