REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – A months long investigation between the Redwood City Police Department and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has tied a suspect to at least two residential burglaries and a home invasion along the peninsula. The suspect has been in custody since Jan. 17, while detectives from both agencies conducted extensive follow-up investigations.
On Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at around 2 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a robbery at a home in the 1400 block of Greenwood Ave. in San Carlos. The suspect reportedly forced entry into the victim’s home, pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the victim, demanded money and valuables and then fled the area on a bicycle. The victim was not injured.
The Sheriff’s Office immediately responded to the home, conducted a canvass of the neighborhood and collected statements and evidence. Drone and K-9 Units were also deployed, however, the suspect was not initially located. The Sheriff’s Office allocated significant resources to investigate this crime and enhanced patrols in the area.
On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at approximately 4 a.m., Redwood City Police officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Alameda De Las Pulgas in Redwood City on the report of a prowler inside a residence. A caregiver reported that she and the elderly homeowner were in the lower level of the residence when she heard footsteps coming from upstairs. The caregiver also reported the home’s alarm system had not activated after the power went out shortly before the noises began.
Redwood City Police immediately launched its Drone as First Responder (DFR) drone, which arrived within minutes and before officers, providing critical intelligence to those responding. Officers arrived, contacted the caregiver and homeowner who were not injured, and worked to secure the home. While securing the home, in pitch black conditions, the drone and its operator identified a suspect exit the patio slider and immediately attempt to flee the area. The drone continued to follow the suspect until officers could locate and detain him without incident. Officers were able to recover jewelry and other valuables belonging to the homeowner. The investigation also revealed the home’s main electrical breaker had been switched off.
The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Miguel Antonio AguilarSarabia of Redwood City. He was ultimately booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on Jan. 17 for: Penal Code 460(a) – Residential burglary, Penal Code 12022.1 – Committing a Felony While on Bail, Penal Code 148(a)(1) – Obstruct/Resist Officer, Penal Code 466 – Possession of Burglary Tools, Health & Safety Code 11364(a) – Possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia.
Based on the seriousness of the case, Redwood City Police detectives, in partnership with Sheriff’s Office detectives, obtained a search warrant the same day and conducted a search of AguilarSarabia’s residence. This resulted in locating stolen property and evidence tied to at least one additional Redwood City residential burglary and the home invasion in San Carlos.
“When someone targets residents in their own home, we respond with urgency and utilize every tool available to us. Our officers, detectives, and DFR team worked seamlessly to locate the suspect, protect the victims, and preserve critical evidence. This case highlights how technology, coordination, and relentless follow-up can disrupt crime and hold offenders accountable,” said Redwood City Police Chief Kristina Bell.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory was actively working behind-the-scenes to analyze and process evidence collected from the San Carlos case. This critical work tied AguilarSarabia to the home invasion, leading to the following charges being added on Feb. 26: Penal Code 211 – Robbery, Penal Code 460(a) – Residential burglary, PC 245(B) – assault with a semi-automatic firearm, PC 368(B)(1) – felony elder abuse.
“This case represents the very best of our profession. When agencies collaborate, share information effectively, and utilize advanced technology alongside exceptional police work, we can bring even the most challenging cases to a successful resolution. I am incredibly proud of our detectives for their dedication and persistence in identifying and arresting a suspect who was clearly targeting vulnerable members of our community. I also want to recognize the outstanding work of our Forensic Laboratory team, whose careful analysis of evidence plays a critical role in protecting public safety,” said San Mateo County Sheriff Ken Binder.
Detectives from both agencies continue to work collaboratively to determine the extent of this apparent crime series. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Redwood City Police at 650-780-7100 or the Sheriff’s Office at 650-363-4911.
