A man was arrested for allegedly stealing iPhones while dressed up as an Amazon delivery driver.
In September 2024, Troy Police Department became aware of package thefts in Metro Detroit. These thefts specifically targeted iPhones delivered to residential addresses.
The suspect in these larcenies arrived shortly after the package was delivered. One of the suspects was identified as a male wearing an Amazon vest and driving a silver Dodge Caravan with a paper plate in the rear window, police said in a news release.
This suspect, later identified as Yohangel Martin Polanco Melo, and his vehicle were captured on numerous home surveillance systems in Troy and other Metro Detroit area jurisdictions, police said.
On each occasion Polanco Melo, dressed in an Amazon vest, bucket-style hat, and surgical mask, would approach a home that just had an iPhone delivered carrying a small empty package. Polanco Melo would leave the empty/unlabeled box and steal the iPhone box, often concealing it under his vest while returning to his vehicle, according to police.
On October 15, 2024, Officers observed the suspect vehicle in the area and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, Polanco Melo was arrested wearing the same Amazon vest, bucket style hat and surgical mask observed in the numerous surveillance videos/images. Officers recovered several iPhones that were inside the vehicle, along with several empty boxes.
Police say Polanco-Melo is currently in the United States and has no residency status. Polanco Melo was arraigned on several charges and his bond was set at $50,000, No 10%
