Full Notification

A hit and run on Sunday led to the arrest of a subject after he stole his roommate’s car and crashed, then fled the scene.
 
San Mateo, CA – On Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 1:59pm, the San Mateo Police Department were dispatched to the area of the 100 block of 16^th Ave. on report of a crash. Upon arrival, officers located a gray Ford Explorer that had crashed into an unoccupied parked catering trailer. It was learned the Ford had sideswiped an unoccupied parked vehicle before crashing into the trailer. The trailer crash caused damage to its attached vehicle, which then caused rearend damage to another unoccupied parked car. The driver of the Ford then fled the scene prior to police arrival.
 
Witnesses directed our attention to an apartment complex on the 1400 block of S. B St., where a perimeter was ultimately established and resources expended, but the subject was not located. However, we did locate a roommate of the suspect who informed us the Ford belonged to her and the suspect, identified as Miguel Garcia, had taken it without her permission. She reported the vehicle as stolen.
 
At 4:28pm, police received a call about a suspicious person in the 1600 block of S. El Camino Real, where officers contacted Garcia and placed him under arrest for hit and run and vehicle theft. Garcia had minor injuries from the crash and was tended to by paramedics at the location. He was then transported and booked into San Mateo County Jail.
 
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but it is believed alcohol may have been involved. The San Mateo Police Department reminds our community that driving impaired has major consequences. If you are drinking, DO NOT get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Alcohol and drugs affect your ability to make sound decisions and puts lives at risk. Be responsible and make good choices.
 
ARRESTED:
Miguel Garcia, age 38, San Mateo resident
 
CHARGES:
20002(a)(1)PC – Hit and run with property damage
10851(a)VC – Vehicle Theft
 
 
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