Off-duty Brookhaven officer catches porch pirate

BROOKHAVEN, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - An off-duty Brookhaven Police sergeant is being praised for his quick-thinking actions that ended in the arrest of a wannabe Grinch. 

Sergeant Charles McCoy was off the clock and headed home when he noticed something suspicious around 7 p.m. Saturday. McCoy said he saw someone running away from a front porch carrying a package. 

Sgt. McCoy pulled over Isaiah Gresham, who had a pile of open packages in his back seat, according to investigators. Additional officers canvassed the neighborhood and found several residents with reported stolen merchandise. 

Police said Gresham gave a full confession and was arrested then taken to the DeKalb County jail. He was charged with theft, loitering and prowling, and driving on a suspended license. 

“Thanks to Sgt. McCoy’s awareness and quick action, along with the other officers who responded in support, we were able to get another criminal off the streets and prevent several Christmas holidays from being ruined by thieves,” said Police Chief Gary Yandura.  “It’s also a reminder that everyone is vulnerable to thefts this time of year, so be alert, take precautions, and if you see something, say something.”