MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20220601-027
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Elusive Felon Arrested for Possible Third Strike in 2.5-million-dollar Arrest Warrant
San Mateo, CA – On Thursday, March 10, 2022, at approximately 8:55 a.m., the Belmont Police Department pursued a vehicle that failed to yield while traveling northbound on Highway 101. The pursuit ended near Highway 92 and Hillsdale Boulevard, when the driver, an unknown suspect, exited the vehicle on foot and fled towards the Fiesta Meadows Park. At the park, the suspect entered an occupied vehicle. The suspect held a knife to the driver’s stomach and forced her to drive the suspect to the San Mateo Medical Center. The suspect left the victim; she was contacted by San Mateo Police Department officers, evaluated for injuries, and interviewed.
A community member informed SMPD a person who matched the suspect’s description asked for a ride before jumping into the creek between Hillsdale Boulevard and 36th Avenue. Officers quickly arrived and observed the suspect in the creek. Once the suspect saw the officers, he submerged himself deeper into the creek.
SMPD vigorously continued the pursuit of the suspect. SMPD established an expansive and extensive perimeter. Multiple outside law enforcement agencies assisted with the search. However, despite intensive efforts by all involved, the suspect was not located.
SMPD remained steadfast and began an investigation to identify and to locate the suspect. SMPD detectives identified the suspect as Arnell Clark. Clark previously resided in the area nearby the perimeter that was established on March 10, and his familiarity with the area likely aided his ability to be elusive that day. SMPD detectives obtained a 2.5-million-dollar arrest warrant for Clark. SMPD learned Clark had an outstanding warrant for arrest on a probation violation for disabling his ankle monitor and failing to check in with his probation officer. Additionally, SMPD learned Clark was facing a third strike, which would make him eligible to be sentenced to life in prison.
Clark’s status as a transient made locating him extremely difficult, and he remained elusive. However, SMPD relentlessly and doggedly pursued all leads and coordinated efforts with multiple law enforcement agencies to bring Clark to justice. On May 31, 2022 at approximately 12:58 a.m., the San Francisco Police Department arrested Clark on the warrant charge. Officers located multiple cell phones and other items associated to this investigation in Clark’s possession and were collected as evidence.
Remember, “If you see something, say something.” We are encouraging our community to utilize security cameras. They are especially helpful in identifying suspicious activity in neighborhoods when cameras are street facing. Our officers regularly canvass for surveillance and you can help us by notifying SMPD where cameras are located in your neighborhood at www.cityofsanmateo.org/Nest.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
ARRESTED
Arnell Clark, a 42-year-old transient
Charges: Kidnapping (207(a) PC), Reckless Evading a Police Officer (2800.2(a) VC), Stolen Vehicle (10851 VC), Receiving a Stolen Vehicle (496d(a) PC), and Receiving Stolen Property (496(a) PC)
MEDIA CONTACT
Alison Gilmore
Public Information Officer | Office of the Chief
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 | [email protected]
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