Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20230625-036
Sunday, June 25, 2023
 
Serial Burglar Arrested
 
The San Mateo Police Department has apprehended a suspect in a series of burglaries that have occurred in our community over the past few days. Our officers have been actively investigating these incidents and have made significant progress in identifying and apprehending the suspect.

San Mateo, CA – On June 21, 2023, at 7:30 a.m., a residential burglary incident took place in the 3000 block of Los Prados Street. The suspect used a brick to shatter a window in an attempted entry. The homeowner confronted the suspect, who subsequently fled the scene. Surveillance footage captured a black male with dreadlocks, dressed in all black clothing, wearing a balaclava, and carrying a skateboard leaving the area.
 
On June 24, 2023, at 6:10 a.m., officers responded to a similar incident in the 2700 block of S Norfolk Street. The suspect threw a rock through the sliding glass window of an apartment but fled when he realized the resident was at home. Officers who responded to the scene discovered that another nearby apartment had been accessed minutes prior, and the suspect had entered through a slider, stealing some items from inside the apartment. The stolen items were later found discarded near the scene. A photo of the suspect was obtained, revealing a black male wearing all black attire, black and yellow gloves, and carrying a black backpack with a green logo.
 
At 8:22 a.m., officers responded to a residential burglary at an apartment located in the 1000 block of Park Place. The suspect was interrupted by residents while rummaging inside the apartment and fled the scene. Officers arrived promptly and obtained a description of the suspect, which closely matched the previous incidents. Surveillance footage was also obtained, confirming the suspect's identity. Officers conducting an area check received information from a resident sighting of a person matching the suspect's description running toward the Hillsdale Shopping Center. The suspect was subsequently observed on the train platform between 31st Avenue and 28th Avenue. A perimeter was established, and the suspect was apprehended by multiple officers as he attempted to flee. The suspect was identified as Victor Bell, who had two arrest warrants and was on CDC parole for a previous burglary offense. A search of his person revealed the possession of an unsheathed knife.
 
Upon collaborating with the Foster City Police Department due to the close proximity of the initial burglaries, it was determined that Bell is likely connected to other burglaries. Additional burglaries in San Mateo are also under investigation to determine Bell’s involvement. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is strongly urged to contact the San Mateo Police Department.
 
Bell was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on charges related to the aforementioned incidents, as well as his arrest warrants.
 
Law enforcement is solving more crimes thanks to security cameras. If you’re considering the purchase of a new system, we recommend high resolution cameras (the higher the better), infrared nighttime capabilities, and saved recordings to the cloud. Partnerships with our active neighborhood watch, social media platforms, and surveillance technologies, the San Mateo Police Department can identify criminals and make San Mateo an unfriendly place for thieves. Our officers regularly canvass for surveillance and you can help us by notifying SMPD at www.cityofsanmateo.org/NEST. 
 
ARRESTED
Victor Eugene Bell, 29-year-old, Daly City resident
Charges: First degree burglary (460(a) PC), attempted burglary (664/460(a) PC), carrying a concealed dirk or dagger (21310 PC), and arrest warrants.
 
MEDIA CONTACT
Media & Community Relations
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 | [email protected]
  
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