Video: Public works employee steps up big time to help police nab suspected porch pirate on the run from cops

Surveillance video caught the moment when a Yonkers, New York, public works employee stepped up to help police collar a suspected porch pirate on the run from them last week.

What are the details?

Yonkers police said they spotted Francisco Jose Eder Mateo, 27, of the Bronx, stealing packages from a porch. Police bodycam video indicates the incident took place just after 2 p.m. Jan. 3.

Police said when they approached Mateo, he ran away.

However, surveillance video from another home caught the moment when a good Samaritan — a Yonkers public works employee, in fact — saw Mateo running from cops, got out of his vehicle, and shoved the scampering suspect to the ground.

Video shows the public works employee joining a police officer who was chasing Mateo in subduing Mateo.

Police said Mateo was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, both in the fourth degree and both felonies, as well as other misdemeanors.

Police said Mateo was released on his own recognizance at his arraignment.

"This video shows what happens when everyone works together seamlessly to stop crime," police added. "A resident sees a crime and quickly calls it in, allowing officers to get on the scene quickly; officers flood the area to ensure the suspect can’t get away despite his attempted fleeing, finished off by a good Samaritan who saw an opportunity to help our officers capture a suspect and took that opportunity right to him."

Cops also sent a message to "any future thieves planning to commit these crimes in Yonkers" and suggested they "pick somewhere else. Our residents, officers, and city employees will not stand by and allow you to victimize people in this city. You will be apprehended and delivered to the court system to answer for your actions."

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