Mail thief found sleeping in car next to community mailboxes: Hemet police
A parolee who fell asleep in his car near some community mailboxes is facing multiple charges after waking to find Hemet police officers interested in why he was there.
The officers were sent to the 1300 block of Division Court around 4:45 a.m. on Thursday to follow up on a report of a suspicious vehicle parked near the mailboxes and located a tan and gold 1993 Jeep Cherokee.
“The vehicle was occupied by an adult male, later identified as 42-year-old Naythan Story, who appeared to be unconscious in the driver’s seat while the vehicle was running,” the Hemet Police Department posted on Facebook.
Officers then learned that Story was on probation and observed a lock-picking tool on the ground near the driver’s side door. Additional suspicious items, including a socket wrench, several access cards and a brass key marked “USPS Property,” were visible inside the vehicle, police said.
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Recovered mail is sorted by a police officer in Hemet. (Hemet Police Department) -
A suspect is taken into custody in connection with a mailbox theft investigation in Hemet. (Hemet Police Department) -
Keys are seen in connection with a mailbox theft investigation. (Hemet Police Department) -
Recovered mail is seen in Hemet. (Hemet Police Department) -
Tools are seen in connection with a mailbox theft investigation. (Hemet Police Department) -
A suspect is taken into custody in connection with a mailbox theft investigation in Hemet. (Hemet Police Department)
Upon searching the suspect and the SUV police came up with the following list of items:
- A clear baggie containing approximately 1.88 grams of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
- Multiple debit and credit cards belonging to individuals other than Story, some of whom confirmed they were victims of recent fraudulent activity.
- A total of 36 access cards (including EBT, debit, credit, and insurance cards) linked to at least 25 different individuals.
- Several hundred pieces of mail, including sensitive financial and government documents, originating from addresses across Hemet, Temecula, Murrieta, Winchester, Menifee, South Gate, Compton, and other areas.
- Four USPS master keys and a modified socket tool believed to be used in mail thefts.
Story was arrested and booked for alleged possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of access cards of 10 or more victims and possession of access cards with intent to defraud.
Residents were reminded to report any suspicious activity around mailboxes or vehicles parked in unusual locations. Anyone with further information regarding this case was asked to contact Detective Aguila at 951-765-2423 or email paguila@hemetpd.gov.