Full Notification

Following a coincidentally similar incident just a half-hour earlier at the mall, SMPD was alerted to an armed robbery after a subject shoplifting from 7-Eleven brandished a knife at an employee trying to detain him.

On Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 8:07pm, San Mateo Police officers were dispatched to the 7-Eleven on the 600 block of E. 3rd Ave. on report of an armed robbery that had just occurred. Employees notified our Dispatch that a male subject was stealing alcohol from the store and when employees went to detain him and retrieve the stolen wine, he brandished a knife at them and punched one of the clerks. A customer intervened and they were able to disarm him and hold him down until officers arrived.

On arrival, officers relieved the employees and contacted the suspect, identified as Carlos Duarte Umul. Once able to handcuff him, a pat search of his person was conducted. At that time, officers located drug paraphernalia in his pants pocket. Suspected methamphetamine was also located in a small satchel worn by Duarte Umul.

It was learned that Duarte Umul was concealing wine bottles on his person and was known to employees as someone who regularly steals. When they attempted to stop him, Duarte Umul pulled out a knife and attempted to get away. A customer intervened and together, they detained Duarte Umul until police arrived.

After being medically cleared, Duarte Umul was transported to San Mateo County Jail and booked on the charges below.

While no harm came to the customer who intervened, we do want to remind everyone to avoid putting yourself in danger. Instead, we ask you to be a good witness and let us know what you saw. Your safety is paramount and should always come first over property.

ARRESTED:
Carlos Duarte Umul, age 19, San Mateo resident
CHARGES:
211PC - Robbery, 11364(a)HS – Possess drug paraphernalia, 11377(a)HS – Possess a controlled substance