In several Metro Detroit areas, including Troy, a man has been posing as an Amazon delivery driver to pilfer packages right from the doorsteps of unsuspecting residents. The Troy Police Department disclosed that Yohangel Martin Polanco Melo, 23, specifically targeted homes expecting deliveries of new iPhones. Clad in an Amazon vest, a bucket-style hat, and a surgical mask, he would swap the valuable delivery with an empty, unmarked package, as ClickOnDetroit reported.
Authorities became aware of the thefts in September 2024 and were able to identify Polanco Melo by matching surveillance footage with a silver Dodge Caravan he drove, which had a paper plate in the rear window. "Officers working in an unrelated case spotted a matching minivan on Oct. 15, and made the traffic stop," Troy Community Services Sergeant Ben Hancock told WWJ Newsradio 950's Mike Campbell. Inside the vehicle, police found several iPhones along with empty boxes, which led to Polanco Melo's arrest.
Following his arrest, police learned from Immigration and Customs Enforcement that Polanco Melo had entered the United States illegally and had no residency status. FOX 2 Detroit reports that he was charged with larceny, and his case has drawn the attention of federal immigration authorities.
During his arraignment on Oct. 17 at the 52-4 District Court, Polanco Melo faced charges, including two counts of Larceny—$1,000-$20,000 and three counts of Larceny—$200-$1,000, with his bond set at $50,000. In a statement obtained by ClickOnDetroit, Troy police urged the public to take precautions when ordering high-value items such as cell phones, either by requiring a signature upon delivery or opting for in-store pickup. The investigation remains active as officers attempt to ascertain the full extent of the suspected thievery and discern how the suspect identified his targets.
