Pennsylvania police recovered nearly 500 pieces of mail and apprehended three people accused of stealing the items after they led officers on a chase last week.
The incident happened at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday when a Haverford Township police officer noticed a suspicious car and individual near a U.S. Postal Service mail collection box, WVPI-TV reports. Chief John Viola said police have been on high alert this season when it comes to mail thefts.
When the officer pulled over the car, the driver initially stopped before speeding off again. A chase ensued and captured on the officer's dashboard camera.
The pursuit, which reached up to 65 mph, moved through neighborhood streets and lasted for a few minutes before the fleeing driver crashed. One suspect was taken into custody at the crash scene, while two others escaped on foot and were eventually nabbed by Lower Merion police.
Along with the roughly 500 pieces of mail, police also seized a handgun and two Postal Service bins. Viola told WVPI that the suspects likely had key to the mailbox, and the incident is yet another example of the rash of mail thefts the area has encountered this year.
"We've had over 300 cases in one year we're investigating," said Viola.
The suspects face theft, reckless endangerment and other charges.
