Crimes Nearby: Two Nabbed For Stealing UPS Packages, Suspect Wanted For Stealing Boots

• Two nabbed for stealing packages from homes

Two men were arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with stealing packages from residential doorsteps in Bay Shore, police said.

According to police, an off-duty New York State Trooper spotted Albert Munoz and Freddy Benavides, Jr. allegedly stealing a package from the doorstep of a home in Bay Shore. The trooper called Suffolk County Police and Third Precinct Patrol Officer Arthur Martrano arrested Munoz and Benavides at 3:15 p.m. when the suspects pulled into the U. S. Post Office, located at 1314 Fifth Ave. in Bay Shore.

Further investigation by the Third Precinct Crime Section revealed that the suspects were following a UPS truck around the Bay Shore area and stole the packages after they were left on the doorsteps, police said. An Apple EarPod, Apple iPad Mini case, and two pairs of Skechers sneakers were recovered.

Munoz, 21, of Bay Shore was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree, and one count of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Benavides, 20, Brentwood, was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree.

• Suspect Steal Boots In Selden

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Sixth Precinct Crime Section police officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man they said stole two pairs of work boots from a Selden store.

According to police, a man entered Bob’s Stores, located at 15 College Plaza, and stole two pairs of Timberland work boots at approximately 8:15 p.m. on November 27.

The suspect was described as white, in his late 20s, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, with short brown hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and jeans. He fled in a white construction van, which was missing the rear license plate, with a red ladder on the roof.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

• House fire kills man in Brentwood

The Suffolk County Police Homicide and Arson Squads are investigating a house fire that killed a man in Brentwood on Wednesday.

Third Precinct Police officers responded to 25 Fairdale Drive in Brentwood, after a 911 caller reported a house fire at 6:45 a.m. When the first officer arrived, the house was fully engulfed in flames.  Members from the Brentwood Fire Department entered the home and found a man and a dog dead in a rear bedroom.

The investigation is continuing and the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death and to confirm the identity of the victim.

•Woman injured in N. Bay Shore hit-and-run

Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives are investigating a hit-and-run that seriously injured a Bay Shore woman Saturday, Dec. 1.

Third Precinct police officers responded after a 911 caller reported an injured woman lying on the side Fifth Avenue at the intersection with Walbridge Avenue in North Bay Shore at approximately 6:30 p.m. Further investigation revealed the woman had been struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

The woman, 58, was transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore with serious injuries.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this case to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.