Hicksville man arrested in UPS package thefts, police say

In a scene straight out of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Nassau County police said two men followed a UPS delivery truck around Hicksville on Wednesday, stealing packages from at least three homes no sooner than they’d been delivered.

One of those suspects, identified as Martin Gonzales, 18, of Story Lane, Hicksville, was arrested at his home not long after the thefts took place, police said. Police are still searching for the second suspect — and are asking anyone with information regarding the incidents to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.

All calls will remain confidential.

Police said a 911 call reported that two men were “observed following a UPS truck in a Ford Explorer” near Salem Gate in Hicksville at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and were seen “removing packages” from three separate homes before fleeing.

Responding Second Precinct officers were able to locate and arrest Gonzales not long after the incidents. He was charged with three counts of petit larceny and now faces arraignment Thursday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Police said “numerous packages” taken from the area were located in his vehicle when Gonzales was arrested.

Police did not disclose how many packages were taken — or what items were contained in them.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”