MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA — A man suspected in multiple package thefts, or "porch pirate," was arrested early Friday morning in Grand Bay, according to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The arrest came days after home surveillance footage showing a suspected theft circulated widely online, aiding deputies in their capture.
Todd Anthony Bond, 46, of Jackson, Mississippi, was apprehended during a traffic stop around 1 a.m. Friday near the Boe Road extension and Spanish Trail after deputies spotted his black Ford Escape traveling at a high rate of speed.
Deputies reportedly found several stolen packages inside the vehicle, including packages reported stolen from homes in Mobile County and others with shipping addresses from Mississippi. Law enforcement agencies in Mississippi have been notified.
Surveillance and Stakeout Lead to Arrest
MCSO Sergeant Lonnie Parsons explained that home surveillance footage from a previous theft was crucial in identifying Bond.
“A couple of things that kind of stuck out to us that helped solve this crime was the vehicle,” said Sergeant Parsons. “And I think obviously the more important thing was this person’s particular look.”
Parsons noted that because of the approaching Halloween holiday, deputies initially questioned whether the suspect's distinctive appearance—including bleached hair and makeup—was a costume. The booking photo confirmed that the look was not temporary.
Sgt. Parsons also stated that the suspect, who had been released from prison in Mississippi approximately six months before the arrest, according to law enforcement, was believed to have momentarily left the state after the initial thefts.
“We learned that he had actually left the state, originally in Mississippi. We learned that he was coming back through to Alabama. We were lying in wait,” Parsons detailed. “Once we took him out of the vehicle and detained him, we searched the vehicle and found packages that matched those reported stolen that were originally taken from the victim’s property.”
Victim's Property Recovered
Bond is charged with first-degree theft of property and was booked into Mobile County Metro Jail. He is scheduled for a bond hearing on Monday.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, which earlier this week asked the public for help identifying the person in the video, confirmed the successful recovery of the stolen goods.
One victim whose property was stolen, including prescription medication, specialty machine parts, and a rifle scope, thanked law enforcement for their swift action:
“Fortunately, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office moved fast. Sheriff Burch and his team wasted no time tracking this guy down after the porch pirate video went viral... The power of social media and our community coming together with credible tips made all the difference.”
Sgt. Parsons indicated that authorities are investigating if Bond can be linked to other similar crimes in Mobile County and urged residents who have had packages stolen to report them to law enforcement.
For more porch pirate-related cases, check out our video here:
