Irvine, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2017) – A package thief suspected in at least 20 crimes throughout Irvine is in custody. Anthony Brian Palusso, 33, of Mission Viejo was arrested Tuesday night.

Palusso is suspected in a string of package thefts over the past several months in the neighborhoods of Orchard Hills, Stonegate and Portola Springs. He was also known to frequent Cypress Village and Woodbury. He was caught on home surveillance video during the commission of several crimes. He is also suspected in crimes in other Orange County cities. Last week, the Irvine Police Department released Palusso’s photo to the public and other law enforcement agencies in the hopes of determining his whereabouts. Residents also had an active role in the search for Palusso, creating a flier warning others of his suspected activity and posting home surveillance video on social media.

On Tuesday night, officers from the Garden Grove Police Department apprehended Palusso at a local hotel after receiving a tip from someone who saw his picture on a news broadcast. IPD Detectives responded to Garden Grove to assist. Palusso was arrested on an outstanding warrant and taken into custody.

The investigation in this case is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Irvine Police Department at 949-724-7000.

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