MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20230421-024
Friday, April 21, 2023
SMPD Arrests Man for Breaking Into Stranger’s Apartment
San Mateo, CA - On Friday, April 21, 2023, at approximately 2:26 a.m., SMPD officers were dispatched to the 200 block of East 3rd Avenue on the report of an unknown subject breaking into an apartment. While officers drove to the reporting party’s location, she informed SMPD dispatch the suspect fled her residence. Upon arrival, officers learned a male, later identified as Robert Najera, pushed the victim’s locked door with enough force to break the doorframe and to damage the lock.
The victim told officers that when he entered her apartment, Najera told her that someone was chasing him. Najera asked the victim if he could stay at her apartment; she refused Najera’s request. The victim told Najera to leave her residence, but he refused. Najera left the residence once the victim called SMPD for assistance.
SMPD officers canvassed the surrounding area for an individual who matched the victim’s description of the intruder. Officers located Najera at the intersection of 5th Avenue and South B Street and safely detained him. After the victim positively identified Najera as the suspect, officers arrested Najera. Officers transported Najera to San Mateo County Jail and booked him into jail for felony vandalism.
SMPD wants to remind our community to safeguard your properties with these tips:
Talk with your neighbors – We have one of the most active neighborhood watch programs in the county. Join your neighbors in addressing neighborhood issues.
Lock all doors and windows – Remind your family to check windows and doors.
Light it up – Ensure bright lights are on around your entire home.
Invest in Surveillance – 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 cameras are in your neighborhood at www.cityofsanmateo.org/NEST.
ARRESTED
Robert Najera, a 32-year-old San Mateo resident
Charges: Vandalism (594(B)(1) PC)
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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