San Mateo, CA – On February 22, 2026, at approximately 5:29 p.m., officers from the San Mateo Police Department responded to Lululemon, located at 17 Hillsdale Mall, regarding a shoplifting that had just occurred.
Upon arrival, officers obtained a suspect description and conducted an area search. Officers located an adult female nearby whose clothing matched the description provided. The suspect, identified during the investigation as Nicole Root, was detained.
Based on the totality of the circumstances and evidence gathered, officers established probable cause to arrest Root for second-degree burglary. Officers recovered $1,736.46 in Lululemon merchandise. During a search of Root’s person, officers located an illegal switchblade knife. Additional unlawful drug paraphernalia was found inside one of her personal bags, and corresponding charges were added.
Root was transported and booked into the San Mateo County Jail without further incident.
The San Mateo Police Department encourages community members to remain vigilant and report crimes or suspicious activity. If you observe suspicious activity, please contact SMPD. Trust your instincts. See Something, Say Something.
ARRESTED:
Nicole Root, 46-year-old San Francisco resident
CHARGES:
Root-PC 460 (B)-Second-Degree Burglary, PC 21510 (B)-Possession of an Illegal Switchblade Knife, HS 11364 (A)-Possession of Unlawful Paraphernalia
