Two arrested, others identified in UPS package thefts

Following a rash of delivery package thefts from Uptown homes during the Christmas holidays, police arrested two men, and they identified another set of suspects but lacked the evidence to charge them, authorities said.

David Mathis, 57, was arrested after police observed him with a package on a bicycle on Dec. 6 on the 5300 block of LaSalle Street, said Sgt. Warren Keller, in charge of property crimes in the Second District. On Dec. 10, police arrested 35-year-old Adarryl Battle at Willow and Soniat streets, where he was riding a bicycle with a stolen package in his possession, Keller said.

Both remain in Orleans Parish jail, records show.

Investigators were also able to locate and identify the people in the white sedan who they believe were responsible for other package thefts in the Uptown area, Keller said. They were not able to charge them with any crimes, however, as they lacked video surveillance or witnesses who could identify the suspects, Keller said.