Release Date: 12/18/14
Package thief arrested
Menlo Park Police Department Case #: 14-3897
From: Sergeant Ed Soares Menlo Park Police Department
(650) 330-6360 [email protected]
On December 12, 2014, a resident of the Willow’s neighborhood was the victim of a doorstep package theft. Using an existing neighborhood social media outlet, the resident shared recorded video footage of the theft with their neighbors and police. Over the coming days, numerous tips from other area residents were shared.
On December 18, 2014, the Menlo Park Police Department received a call of solicitors in the area of Bay Road and Windermere Ave. Responding officers arrived at the location and contacted a subject who was part of large group of subjects from out of state who were in Menlo Park selling magazine subscriptions.
Using the information provided from the security footage taken by the original theft victim, neighborhood tips, and one of the magazine solicitors, the suspect of the package theft on December 12, 2014 was positively identified. Tara McKenzie, a 36 year old female from Detroit, Michigan was subsequently located, taken into custody, and charged with mail theft. McKenzie was later booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
The Menlo Park Police Department credits the proactive relationship shared between the police department and the residents of Menlo Park with the successful conclusion of this event.
A second solicitor was contacted in the group with McKenzie and identified as Deandre Knowles, a 31 year old male from Chicago, Illinois. A records check through the Menlo Park Police Dispatch center was conducted on Knowles which found him to have a $26,000 arrest warrant out of the Los Angeles Police Department for conducting business activity/soliciting without a permit along with a second $26,000 arrest warrant out of the Glendale Police Department, also for conducting business activity/soliciting without a permit. Knowles was arrested and later booked into the San Mateo County Jail on both warrants.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is being asked to call the Menlo Park Police Department.
For more information on this release, contact: Sergeant Ed Soares at [email protected]
