Fontana, California, December 19, 2025
A package theft in Fontana led to severe injury of the Lopez family’s dog, Sparky, ultimately resulting in a scheduled leg amputation. The incident highlights the growing issue of porch piracy during the holiday season, prompting community efforts to assist the family and identify the perpetrator.
Fontana, California: Package Thief’s Actions Lead to Dog’s Injury and Amputation
Fontana, California – In a distressing incident on December 3, 2025, a package thief in Fontana not only stole Christmas gifts from the Lopez family’s property but also set off a chain of events that led to severe injury and impending leg amputation for their dog, Sparky. The actions of the unknown thief have highlighted concerns surrounding “porch piracy,” a crime that has become increasingly prevalent during the holiday season, impacting both families and their pets.
The thief’s reckless behavior resulted in the Lopez family’s dog, Sparky, a 2½-year-old Australian blue heeler, escaping after the thief left the gate to their yard wide open. Sparky was missing for two days before being discovered, suffering from a severe cut that likely resulted from being struck by a vehicle. As the Lopez family copes with this tragedy, they are using crowdfunding to aid in covering the surgery costs needed for Sparky’s amputation, scheduled for this Friday.
Incident Overview
- Date of Theft: December 3, 2025
- Location: Lopez family’s yard in Fontana, California
- Stolen Items: Christmas gifts purchased on Black Friday
- Thief’s Actions: Entered property, stole packages, left gate open
- Vehicle Description: White Mercedes-Benz SUV with silver rims
Consequences for Sparky
- Injury: Deep, severe cut extending from hip to paw, likely from a vehicle collision
- Current Situation: Scheduled for leg amputation surgery
- Owner’s Statement: Emphasized the emotional loss of their pet due to the thief’s actions
Community Involvement
- GoFundMe Campaign: Set up to assist with Sparky’s surgery costs
- Police Report: Filed to seek public help in identifying the perpetrator
- Public Engagement: Community urged to report sightings of the described vehicle
Background Context on Porch Piracy
The rise in package theft, particularly during the holiday shopping season, raises significant concerns for families in Los Angeles County and across the nation. Incidents like that of the Lopez family exemplify the impact of such criminal acts—resulting in not just financial loss, but emotional distress. As communities grapple with these issues, increased awareness and preventative measures are essential for safeguarding homes and pets alike.
Key Features of the Incident
| Date of Theft | Location | Stolen Items | Thief’s Actions | Vehicle Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 3, 2025 | Lopez family’s yard in Fontana, California | Christmas gifts purchased on Black Friday | Entered property, stole packages, left gate open | White Mercedes-Benz SUV with silver rims |
Conclusion
The troubling incident in Fontana serves as a reminder of the growing challenges posed by porch piracy during the holiday season. As local communities strive for safer neighborhoods, the Lopez family’s experience underscores the need for vigilance and support. The public is encouraged to assist in locating the thief, helping to bring them to justice and raising awareness about the importance of securing homes against such crimes. Engaging in community efforts and supporting local families facing adversity will foster a resilient environment as we move forward into the holiday season and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Sparky?
Sparky, a 2½-year-old Australian blue heeler, was injured after a package thief stole Christmas gifts from the Lopez family’s yard and left the gate open, allowing Sparky to escape. He was found with a severe cut from his hip to his paw and will undergo leg amputation surgery.
How can I help?
The Lopez family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover the surgery costs for Sparky. Community members with information about the theft are also encouraged to come forward to assist local authorities.
What is “porch piracy”?
Porch piracy refers to the theft of packages left unattended on doorsteps or porches. This crime is more prevalent during the holiday season, resulting in both financial and emotional harms to victims.
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Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
