Miami Springs police nab porch pirate accused of stealing Etsy necklace, pair of Crocs

A homeless man was arrested after a front-door camera alert allegedly showed him carting off an Amazon package from a Miami Springs home that contained a gold Etsy necklace and a pair of Crocs.

The victim chased Ariel Torres-Martinez, 44, to the Clarion Hotel, at 5301 Northwest 36th St., where a hotel employee on condition of anonymity told police that Torres-Martinez was a registered guest staying on the third floor.

Police said that 10 additional officers were called in for backup. When Torres-Martinez refused to answer the door, hotel officials opened it with a key, police said. Once inside, police searched the hotel room and found 5-foot-7-inch, Torres-Martinez hiding under the bed.

Torres-Martinez, listed as homeless by police, was arrested May 6 on a burglary charge and hauled off to county jail where he is being held on a $1,000 bond. He has prior arrests for marijuana possession and petty theft, court records show.

After the arrest, Miami Springs police advised locals via social media to retrieve packages as soon as they arrive.

Doorstep thefts have seen an uptick during the COVID-19 pandemic, as online shoppers await home deliveries of groceries and other essential items.

If you have any information about porch piracy anywhere in the county, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.