Porch pirate arrested, Gwinnett Police recover stolen packages—and drugs

GWINNETT COUNTY–A 36-year-old man has been arrested and charged with porch piracy in connection with the thefts of several packages at an apartment complex, the Gwinnett County Police Department said today, Dec. 2.  The packages he took from his neighbors, however, were not the only discovery that police made. 

Kyle Thomas Witzel, of Buford, who lives in the complex near 1500 Laurel Crossing, was identified on video surveillance stealing the packages from the community’s mailroom, police said. The investigation led police to Wtizel’s apartment, where they not only recovered several stolen packages but marijuana and anabolic steroids, police said. 

Officers assigned to the East Precinct Community Response Team thefts on were following up on Nov. 26 several thefts reported at the apartment complex, which led them to video surveillance and ultimately, Witzel’s apartment. Police recovered multiple stolen packages as well as large amounts of marijuana and anabolic steroids.

Witzel was arrested without incident. He was charged with three counts of theft by taking, porch piracy, possession of a Schedule III controlled substance, possession of drug-related objects, and possession of marijuana more than 1 ounce. Witzel was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.

The investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges might be forthcoming, police said 

Anyone who has any information to share in this case is asked to contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.