A Draper man was arrested for stealing packages from neighbors using a DoorDash bag, facing multiple theft charges.
In a surprising case of theft, a 51-year-old man from Draper has been arrested on multiple charges related to mail theft after allegedly using a DoorDash bag as a means to pilfer packages from his neighbors. Rodger Scot Goeckeritz was apprehended on Thursday, facing six counts of theft in connection with a series of incidents reported at the Canyon Vista Apartments over the past week. This incident has shed light on the rising problem of package thefts, particularly in residential areas, where the convenience of online shopping has unfortunately been met with the inconvenience of theft.
According to court documents, the Draper Police Department began their investigation following numerous complaints from residents of the Canyon Vista Apartments regarding missing packages. The first report of theft was made on Monday, when a resident discovered that a pair of women’s shoes had vanished from the mailroom. This prompted a series of investigations, leading to more reports throughout the week, highlighting a pattern that alarmed both the residents and the management of the apartment complex.
The investigation escalated when security footage was reviewed, revealing Goeckeritz, a resident of the complex, casually strolling through various floors of the building with a red DoorDash bag. The footage captured him as he placed packages belonging to his neighbors into the bag, showcasing a brazen disregard for the belongings of others. In addition to the thefts from the mailroom, Goeckeritz was also seen rummaging through packages outside an Amazon locker, indicating a premeditated approach to his criminal activities.
On the same day that the first theft was reported, police received another call from a woman who reported that her Amazon package, which contained a pair of glasses, had also been taken. This incident further fueled the investigation, as it became evident that Goeckeritz was targeting items that were either left unattended or delivered during early morning hours. The police's efforts to track the pattern of thefts proved fruitful, as additional reports continued to surface, painting a clearer picture of Goeckeritz's actions.
By Thursday, another resident reported a package missing from the mailroom, claiming that they had received a notification about the delivery at 5:00 a.m. Surveillance footage from the complex showed Goeckeritz accessing the mailroom around 9:30 a.m., further corroborating the timeline of events. The missing packages included cosmetic items and earbuds, valued at over $200, raising the stakes for the investigation as the financial impact on the victims became apparent.
Upon making contact with Goeckeritz, officers explained the situation and the basis for their investigation. In a concerning turn of events, Goeckeritz allegedly admitted to discarding the packaging materials of the stolen items in a dumpster outside the residence. This statement prompted officers to inspect the dumpster, where they discovered multiple empty packages belonging to the victims, solidifying the evidence against him.
During questioning, after having been read his Miranda Rights, Goeckeritz shared that he had been taking medications for mental illnesses that caused him to experience a “fog.” He described this fog as a state where he would later question his actions, unable to comprehend why he had engaged in such behavior. This revelation raised questions regarding the mental health implications of his actions, as well as the potential need for support and intervention beyond legal repercussions.
Goeckeritz was unable to provide police with a clear intention behind his thefts, leading to further speculation about his motivations and state of mind. The incident has not only highlighted the issue of package theft but has also sparked discussions about the need for mental health awareness and support for individuals who may be struggling with similar issues.
The residents of Canyon Vista Apartments have expressed a mix of relief and concern following Goeckeritz's arrest. While they are glad that the alleged thief has been apprehended, they remain vigilant about the safety of their packages and the overall security of their living environment. The management of the complex is now exploring additional security measures, including better surveillance systems and community awareness programs, to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, the Draper Police Department urges residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. The increasing trend of package thefts highlights the importance of community vigilance and the necessity for ongoing dialogue about security in residential areas. Goeckeritz remains in custody at the Salt Lake County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings as the residents of Draper reflect on the unexpected breach of trust within their community.