MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20230418-023
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
SMPD Arrests Felon on Multiple Firearms Charges
San Mateo, CA - On April 17, 2023, at approximately 8:42 p.m., SMPD officers learned of a stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Peninsula Avenue. Officers located the vehicle, which was parked on Woodside near Studio Circle. Officers attempted to contact the driver of the vehicle, but the vehicle fled from the officers.
Officers initiated a pursuit as the suspect vehicle traveled through San Mateo before traveling south on US 101. The suspect vehicle exited US-101 at Ralston Avenue, then entered onto US 101 in the northbound direction, and then proceeded onto CA-92 east. Shortly after entering onto CA-92, the suspect vehicle experienced a mechanical failure and started to slow. Just prior to the San Mateo Bridge, the suspect vehicle exited onto a Caltrans maintenance road.
SMPD officers initiated a high-risk traffic stop. The suspect, later identified as Dajon Hardy, exited the vehicle with a white plastic bag in his hand. Hardy fled and ran eastbound towards Hwy 92. Officers ran after Hardy and tackled him as he attempted to climb over a concrete traffic barrier and enter onto oncoming traffic. Hardy actively resisted the officers’ attempt to place him in handcuffs, but they safely took him into custody. Shortly after Hardy was placed in handcuffs, officers located a loaded handgun on the ground near the white plastic bag Hardy carried. Officers arrested Hardy and booked him into San Mateo County Jail on multiple charges.
As the San Mateo Police Department continues to address vehicle theft, we have some helpful tips on how to protect your car from theft.
Protect Your Ride
There are numerous antitheft systems and devices designed to make vehicles more difficult to steal or easier to trace and recover. Here are how some of them work:
- Audible and Visible Devices: These devices, such as a horn alarm, deter theft by bringing attention to an unauthorized attempt to steal or enter a vehicle. Visible devices create a visual threat/warning/deterrence, such as the use of steering-wheel locks, as well as theft-deterrent decals, flashing lights, and window etching.
- Immobilizing-Type Devices: These prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle’s ignition system and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some incorporate computer chips in ignition keys or disable the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine.
- Vehicle Recovery Systems: These devices use electronic transmission technology that help law enforcement reveal the location of stolen vehicles—and possibly catch the thief in the act.
Helpful tips when parking and exiting your vehicle:
- Take your vehicle's key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas if possible and within view of a security camera.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
Thieves want vehicle parts and valuable items, too:
Thieves want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren't. Some of the most popular vehicle parts or valuable items stolen from vehicles include doors, lift gates, engines, transmissions, catalytic converters, air bags, radios, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses.
For additional tips, please visit:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention.
ARRESTED
Dajon Hardy, a 26-year-old Oakland resident
Charges: Possession of a stolen vehicle (496(d) PC), felon in possession of a firearm (29800(A)(1) PC), carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle (25400(A)(1) PC), non-owner in possession of a firearm (25400(C)(4) PC), carrying a loaded concealed weapon a person (25400(C)(5), carrying a concealed stolen weapon (25400(C)(2) PC), resisting an executive officer (69 PC), felon in possession of ammunition (30305(A)(1), and reckless evading (2800.2(A) CVC).
MEDIA CONTACT
Alison Gilmore
Public Information Officer | Support Services
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 |
[email protected]
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