Package Thief Arrested

For Immediate Release: December 26, 2018
Contact: Captain Martin Ticas, F.C.P.D., (650) 286-3300

On December 21, 2018, about 1:00 a.m., the Foster City Police Department was notified that a man suspected of stealing packages delivered to the front of homes in Foster City was being detained by San Mateo Police Officers. Foster City Police Officers responded to the location in San Mateo, positively identified the suspect as the person responsible for package theft, and placed him under arrest. Subsequent to the arrest, the suspect was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Also at the scene was a woman who identified herself as the suspect’s girlfriend, who told the FCPD officers that she had been assaulted earlier by the suspect, which led to an additional criminal charge against the suspect.  Further investigation conducted by the FCPD officers revealed the suspect was responsible for several thefts of packages throughout Foster City. The additional theft cases committed by the suspect will be submitted to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution of additional charges.

The original investigation of package thefts began in November when several victims reported to the Foster City Police Department they had their packages stolen from in front of their homes. During the investigation, officers obtained surveillance footage from the victims that clearly depicted the suspect and his criminal actions. As part of the on-going investigation, the video captured photographs were shared with the other local police departments in San Mateo County to bolster the chances of finding the suspect, which led to his being located and subsequently being arrested in San Mateo.

Arrested and booked into the San Mateo County Jail for grand theft, possession of a controlled substance, and charges related to domestic violence was 37-year old, Hadriel Humberto Abdallah, Jr., of San Mateo.

The Foster City Police Department would like to acknowledge that the successful apprehension of this suspected package thief was due in part to the existence of home surveillance footage provided to us by various victims. If you would like to log your home surveillance systems as a resource to help with official police investigations on a case-by-case basis, please visit www.fostercity.org/police/page/video-surveillance-registration for more information. Additionally, for information about protecting you and your belongings during the holidays and year-round, please visit https://www.fostercity.org/police/page/holiday-safety-tips.    

JOE PIERUCCI 
CHIEF OF POLICE
Tip Line:  650-286-3323

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