Full Notification

Two Suspects Arrested in a Stolen Vehicle
 
Officers find a stolen vehicle and arrest two suspects.
 
San Mateo, CA – On November 5, 2024, at 6:50 p.m., San Mateo Police Department was notified by our Flock camera system that a vehicle which was previously reported stolen had entered the city of San Mateo.  The stolen vehicle was a silver Honda Accord and had driven into the Los Prados neighborhood.  Officers responded to the neighborhood to look for the stolen vehicle.
 
Officers located the stolen vehicle driving north on South Norfolk Street toward Hillsdale Boulevard leaving the neighborhood.  The stolen vehicle was then seen with a different rear license plate.  Officers positioned themselves to make a traffic stop.  As officers got behind the stolen car, the driver began to accelerate and merge onto Highway 101.  Spike strips were used to puncture the front tires of the stolen vehicle to stop the driver from fleeing. 
 
The stolen car got onto northbound Highway 101, then exited the freeway and eventually stopped near the intersection of Kehoe Avenue and Norton Street.  The two suspects inside of the stolen vehicle were safely detained.      
 
As officers investigated this incident and searched inside the stolen vehicle, officers found multiple stolen license plates and other items that were collected as evidence.  Officers also located drugs and drug paraphernalia.  Officers determined the new license plate that was attached to the stolen vehicle was just stolen from a parked car in the Los Prados neighborhood.  The driver of the stolen vehicle, Steven Ramey, was arrested on multiple charges including stealing a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.  The passenger located inside the stolen car, Gustavo Meza, was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and additional charges.  Ramey and Meza were transported and booked into San Mateo County Jail. 
 
This investigation is still ongoing as officers are identifying the owners of possible stolen items.           
 
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. 
 
There has been an increase in criminals stealing license plates.  Often, these criminals are stealing a license plate from a vehicle and replacing it with a different stolen license plate.  We encourage our community members to make a habit of looking at your license plates and ensuring your plates are on your car.  If your license plate is stolen or changed with another plate, please do not drive your car and contact police.    
   
ARRESTED
Steven Ramey, 40-year-old South San Francisco resident.
 
CHARGES:
10851(a) VC- Take vehicle without consent of owner, 496D(a) PC- Possession of a stolen vehicle, 12022.1 PC- Commit a felony while on bail, 666.5(a) PC- Vehicle theft with prior convictions, 11377(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance, 11364(a) HS- Possession of drug paraphernalia. 
 
ARRESTED
Gustavo Meza, 36-year-old San Mateo resident.
 
CHARGES:
496D(a) PC- Possession of a stolen vehicle, 11377(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance, 11364(a) HS- Possession of drug paraphernalia, 11550(a) HS- under the influence of a controlled substance.