CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte family is facing a dire situation after a crucial medication for their 7-year-old son was stolen from their porch, potentially putting his life at risk.
Porch pirate thefts typically increase around the holiday season, but this case stands out due to the nature of the stolen item.
The thief, who appeared to be a delivery driver, took a package containing essential medication for Carmen Peterson's son, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder. The medication, which helps control his seizures, is valued at $1,800.
Peterson discovered the theft when she noticed a package missing from her front porch.
"This is not something that is easily replaceable," Peterson said.
The family's doorbell camera captured the package being delivered by FedEx at 3 p.m. Just two minutes later, an imposter replaced the package with an empty one.
"We've never had an issue. Then all of a sudden this guy who was obviously following this FedEx truck comes up and just walks off with it," Peterson said.
The stolen medication is critical for her son's health, and Peterson is uncertain if insurance will cover the theft.
"Maybe they'll replace it. Maybe they won't," Peterson said. "So while it had no value to him, I'm sure, because it's not a common street drug, you know, it's not common, he probably had no idea what it even was. It has a whole lot of value to us, obviously, beyond money."
The Petersons are not alone in their plight; several homes in their Spring Park neighborhood have been targeted by porch pirates.
Moving forward, the family plans to receive the medication in a more secure manner to ensure their son's health is not compromised.
"He doesn't deserve to be in a spot where now we're having to scramble to figure out how to get this medication replaced because you wanted a quick buck," Peterson said. "It's just not worth it."
The incident highlights the growing issue of porch piracy and the devastating impact it can have on families, especially when critical items are stolen.