Caught red-handed and without contest, 64-year-old Henry Fonseca will see the inside of a jail cell for 60 days, followed by two years of probation for swiping packages, the San Mateo County District Attorney announced. Among the purloined goods was a wedding dress of significant sentimental and monetary value, scored from the porch of an unassuming residence in Redwood City.

Henry Fonseca (64) pled no contest to grand theft, sentenced to 60 days jail & 2 yrs probation for his video recorded theft of 3 packages from the porch of a residence, including a wedding dress, watch, & shirt, despite denying his involvement upon his arrest by @RedwoodCityPD. pic.twitter.com/ekokj405bw

— San Mateo County District Attorney (@SanMateoCoDA) May 9, 2024

The Redwood City Police Department, which brought the porch pirate to justice, demonstrated the power of community collaboration after releasing video and images of the thief in action, leading to a flood of tips. Screened between 8:24 and 8:46 PM on a serene April eve, the theft on Adams Street quickly escalated from a local disturbance to an emotionally charged crime against love and commitment, having absconded with the bride-to-be's chiffon dreams.

After painstaking investigations by the Redwood City PD and with multiple tips from residents, it was finally a concerned citizen, aiding in the communal effort, who located and returned the $2,000 wedding dress to its rightful owner. According to Hoodline, Lieutenant Nick Perna lauded the vigilance and cooperation of the community, noting, "We received multiple tips from residents which led us to identify and arrest the suspect."

Fonseca, captured by both the camera and the determined sleuthing of Redwood City’s finest, initially denied involvement upon his arrest. Reported sentiments from the city police resonate with relief and gratitude, no doubt echoing the feelings of the anonymous bride, whose wedding plans, derailed by the theft, are now back on track.