Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20230625-037
Sunday, June 25, 2023
 
Arrests Made in Connection with Lego Store Theft
 
The San Mateo Police Department is pleased to announce the successful resolution of a $3,500 theft incident that occurred at the Hillsdale Shopping Center Lego Store. Through diligent investigation and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, our officers have apprehended and arrested the individuals responsible for the crime.

San Mateo, CA – On June 24, 2023, at approximately 11:27 a.m., officers responded to a report of a theft at the Hillsdale Shopping Center Lego Store. Store employees informed our officers that three suspects had stolen Legos with an estimated value exceeding $3,500. A vigilant store employee followed the suspects into the parking lot, where the suspects were seen entering a Volkswagen Jetta occupied by the driver. The vehicle quickly fled the scene, eluding immediate capture during an area check.
 
Subsequently, our officers made contact with the registered owner of the Volkswagen Jetta, discovering that the vehicle had been rented through a third-party application. However, the vehicle's location was successfully tracked, and it was determined that the suspects were traveling through multiple counties. At approximately 4:10 p.m., the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) located and detained the four occupants of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, SFPD officers discovered a handgun, leading to the impoundment of the suspects' vehicle. Additionally, evidence from the Lego Store theft were found inside the vehicle.
 
In coordination with the appropriate authorities, Hillcrest Juvenile Hall was contacted regarding the 17-year-old juvenile suspect, but they declined to accept the individual for booking. Consequently, the juvenile's parents were notified and subsequently took custody of their child.
 
The following individuals have been booked into the County Jail in connection with the Lego Store theft: Jose Heredia Lopez, Karlos Mason, and Makayla Wells Melgoza. Each suspect will face charges related to the incident. Charges for the firearm are pending further investigation.
 
The San Mateo Police Department commends the diligent efforts of our officers and expresses gratitude for the cooperation of the San Francisco Police Department in bringing about the apprehension of these individuals. We would also like to thank the store employee who provided crucial information during the incident. This collaborative effort demonstrates our commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the law.
 
Further updates on the case will be provided as necessary. We remind the public to report any suspicious activities or information related to this case or any other criminal activities to the San Mateo Police Department.
 
ARRESTED
Jose Heredia Lopez, 21-year-old Richmond resident
Charges: Second degree burglary (460(b) PC), conspiracy to commit crime (182(a)1 PC)
 
Karlos Mason, 21-year-old Richmond resident
Charges: Second degree burglary (460(b) PC), conspiracy to commit crime (182(a)1 PC)
 
Makayla Wells Melgoza, 20-year-old Richmond resident
Charges: Second degree burglary (460(b) PC), conspiracy to commit crime (182(a)1 PC)
 
17-year-old male, Hercules resident
Charges: Second degree burglary (460(b) PC), conspiracy to commit crime (182(a)1 PC)
  
MEDIA CONTACT
Media & Community Relations
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 | [email protected]
 
 
###