Video Surveillance Leads to Arrest of Suspected Package Thief

ALHAMBRA, CA - Police on Friday arrested a 20-year-old woman who was videotaped in Alhambra trying to make off with packages she allegedly took from a man's porch.

Rianna Medina of Montebello was arrested about 1 p.m. at a motel in Rosemead, the result of tips and social media messages and "old-fashioned police work," according to the Alhambra Police Department.

"On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at approximately 4:40 p.m., a homeowner in the southeast portion of Alhambra had just arrived home when he saw a woman approach the front of his house," according to a police statement. "The female suspect picked up two packages that had been delivered and left near the front door. The homeowner exited his car and started recording the suspect with his cell phone. The homeowner confronted the suspect, who tried to convince the man that her mother lived at the house and the packages were hers. When the homeowner threatened to call the police the suspect dropped the packages and fled on foot."

Medina was booked on suspicion of one felony count of grand theft, with bail set at $25,000. She is due in court in Alhambra on Tuesday, police said.

"The public's cooperation greatly assisted our detectives in identifying and locating this suspect," police said. "It is often times difficult to find people who are willing to come forward and share information. We appreciate everyone's contribution."

--City News Service, photo courtesy of the Alhambra Police Department