2 porch pirates arrested

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - A resident in the 100 block of North 11th Avenue reported a U-Haul van driving in the area, saw a male exit the van, and retrieve several packages from the doorstep of a residence Thursday, Dec. 12.

A Pocatello Police detective was in the area and responded to the scene.

While the detective was speaking to the witness, the U-Haul returned to a different residence on North 11th Avenue and a female exited the van. The female then stole two packages from another residence.

The detective followed the van until a marked patrol unit could stop the vehicle. Officers contacted both occupants of the vehicle, 43-year-old Esequiel Ruiz and 35-year-old April Fisher.

Officers noticed several unopened packages through the windows of the van with Pocatello addresses on them.

Ruiz and Fisher were arrested for grand theft and more charges are pending.

At this time, the investigation is still ongoing.

The Pocatello Police Department thanks the resident for their quick actions and for notifying officers after seeing something suspicious.

The Pocatello Police Department has compiled this list of tips to help residents secure their holiday shipments:

1. Avoid Home Delivery if Possible-Have packages delivered to your work if that is an option.
2. Know your neighbors and ask for help.
3. Take advantage of technology. Ring and Nest doorbells helped us in this case.
4. Give drivers specific delivery instructions. It is an option to try to schedule a delivery time.
5. Take advantage of “ship to store.”
6. Request your has a signature to deliver.