Full Notification

Three suspects were arrested for multiple charges including carjacking and robbery.
 
San Mateo, CA – On August 13, 2024, at 8:03 p.m., San Mateo Police Department received a 911 call about an incident that was occurring at Marina Plaza Shopping Center, located at the intersection of East Hillsdale Boulevard and South Norfolk Street.  A short time later, the victim of the incident called 911 and said three suspects had just stolen from him and were trying to steal his car.  The victim said the suspects were in possession of a firearm during the incident.  The victim was able to provide a description of each suspect and the direction they ran from where the incident occurred.    
 
Multiple San Mateo Police Officers responded with emergency lights and sirens activated and quickly arrived in the area of the incident.  Officers began to gather additional information and look for the three suspects.  The victim told police he arranged to sell a watch on Facebook Marketplace and when he arrived at the meeting location he was assaulted by the three suspects.  The suspects pointed a gun at him, stole items from him, and attempted to steal his car.  The suspects were unable to steal the car and ran from the scene of the crime. 
 
Officers saw two of the suspects get into a gray Jeep Renegade.  The Jeep was immediately stopped by officers before the suspects were able to flee the scene.  The two suspects in the car, later identified as Richard Jones and Maurice Griffin, were detained without incident.
 
The third suspect was seen running into an apartment complex near the shopping center.  SMPD believed the suspect could have a firearm and to protect community members, issued a “shelter in place” for the neighborhood.  Officers surrounded the apartment complex, and utilizing a drone, began searching for the suspect.  The drone was able to locate the suspect hiding and walking around the apartment complex.  The drone operator relayed the information to officers to and directed the officers to the location of the suspect.  Officers found the suspect, identified as Margaret Watkins, hiding in the carport area of the apartment complex.  Watkins was detained without incident.  Officers searched the area and found the items that were stolen from the victim and a loaded and unregistered Glock pistol with an extended magazine. 
 
Jones, Griffin, and Watkins were all arrested for various felony charges and booked into San Mateo County Jail.         
 
This investigation is still on going.  If anyone has any additional information about this incident, contact the San Mateo Police Department.        
 
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.   Trust your instincts.  See Something, Say Something.
  
 
ARRESTED
Richard Jones, 22-year-old Citrus Heights resident.
 
CHARGES:
215(a) PC- Carjacking, 212.5(c) PC- Robbery second degree, 245(a)(2) PC- Assault with a firearm, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to commit a crime, 417(a)(2)(b) PC- Exhibit firearm in a threatening manner, 422(a) PC- Threaten with intent to terrorize, 29800(a)(1) PC- Felon in possession of a firearm, 30305(a)(1) PC- Prohibited person possess ammunition, 3455(a) PC- Parole violation.   
 
ARRESTED
Maurice Griffin, 20-year-old Sacramento resident.
 
CHARGES:
215(a) PC- Carjacking, 212.5(c) PC- Robbery second degree, 245(a)(2) PC- Assault with a firearm, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to commit a crime, 417(a)(2)(b) PC- Exhibit firearm in a threatening manner, 422(a) PC- Threaten with intent to terrorize, 29800(a)(1) PC- Felon in possession of a firearm, 30305(a)(1) PC- Prohibited person possess ammunition.   
  
ARRESTED
Margaret Watkins, 21-year-old Sacramento resident.
 
CHARGES:
215(a) PC- Carjacking, 212.5(c) PC- Robbery second degree, 245(a)(2) PC- Assault with a firearm, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to commit a crime, 417(a)(2)(b) PC- Exhibit firearm in a threatening manner, 422(a) PC- Threaten with intent to terrorize, 29800(a)(1) PC- Felon in possession of a firearm, 30305(a)(1) PC- Prohibited person possess ammunition, 3455(a) PC- Parole violation.