Full Notification

Three Suspects Arrested for Residential Burglary
 
Three suspects broke into two homes and were arrested after an extensive search of the neighborhood. 
 
San Mateo, CA – On December 19, 2023, three suspects were arrested after an extensive neighborhood search.  The suspects had broken into two separate homes in the area of Mission Drive and West Capistrano Street.  The suspects attempted to flee the scene, however, officers surrounded the suspects.  After hours of searching the neighborhood, all three suspects were found and arrested. 
 
On December 19,2023, at 7:22 p.m., San Mateo Police Department received a 911 call from a victim who lives on the unit block of Mission Drive.  The victim was watching a live feed from a security camera showing two suspects ransacking his home.  Several officers immediately responded and surrounded the neighborhood. 
 
Arriving officers learned the suspects had already left the home.  Officers started contacting witnesses and looking at surveillance cameras in the area while additional officers arrived on scene to begin a systematic search of the neighborhood.  Officers learned there were a total of three suspects involved in the crime and the suspects had burglarized a second home.    
 
Officers saw the suspects jumping a fence into the backyard of a home on the 700 block of West Capistrano and all officers repositioned to surround the home.  Additional resources arrived to assist in searching for the suspects. 
 
SMPD deployed a drone over where the suspects were last seen.  The surveillance camera attached to the drone was able to locate the suspects in a backyard of a home attempting to run and hide from officers.  Officers were able to use the drone camera to locate and surround the suspects. 
 
One suspect was located and arrested attempting to hide in a portable bathroom.  A second suspect was arrested as he ran out of the backyard of the home.  The third suspect was located and arrested hiding on the roof. 
 
Officers recovered the stolen property from the two residences, valued at over $50,000. 
 
The three suspects, Jhon LarottaVargas, Santiago HernandezGarcia, and Jesus VelezHernandez, were all arrested for residential burglary, grand theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.  All three were transported and booked into San Mateo County Jail.            
 
We need the community’s support in reporting crimes and being a good witness.  If you witness a crime, contact police immediately.  Try to remain as calm as possible and do your best to answer questions on the phone.  Remember details such as the suspect’s appearance, clothing, any distinguishing features, and which direction they flee. Once the police arrive at the scene, cooperate fully, and provide the officers with all the information you have.  Your observations can greatly assist law enforcement in their investigation.   
 
Surveillance cameras are important and help police solve crimes throughout the community.  Most often, a suspect will flee the scene of a crime prior to police arrival.  Surveillance cameras are helpful for investigations and ensuring criminals are held accountable for their actions.  We encourage our residents to register their home surveillance cameras with us.  You can securely register your home surveillance cameras on our website at Security Camera Registration | San Mateo, CA - Official Website (cityofsanmateo.org).    
 
ARRESTED
Jhon LarottaVargas, 41-year-old Orlando, FL resident.
CHARGES:
460(a) PC- First Degree Burglary, 487(a) PC- Grand Theft, 496(a) PC- Possession of Stolen Property, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to Commit Crime, 148(a)(1) PC- Obstruct or Resist a Peace Officer.   
 
ARRESTED
Leonardo SanchezMartinez, 34-year-old Los Angeles resident.
CHARGES:
460(a) PC- First Degree Burglary, 487(a) PC- Grand Theft, 496(a) PC- Possession of Stolen Property, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to Commit Crime, 148(a)(1) PC- Obstruct or Resist a Peace Officer.  
 
ARRESTED
Jesus VelezHernandez, 32-year-old Semi Valley resident.
CHARGES:
460(a) PC- First Degree Burglary, 487(a) PC- Grand Theft, 496(a) PC- Possession of Stolen Property, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to Commit Crime, 148(a)(1) PC- Obstruct or Resist a Peace Officer.