San Mateo, CA – On April 9, 2026, at 6:41 a.m., San Mateo police officers responded to the 300 block of N. Delaware Street on a report of a stolen vehicle. Officers learned from the reporting party that the vehicle contained a concealed Apple AirTag, which was pinging in the area of Marina Court and Day Avenue. An Apple MacBook and additional property associated with the vehicle were also reported stolen.
The stolen vehicle was ultimately located hidden under a car cover in the area of Marina Court and Day Avenue and was recovered. During the investigation, and with the assistance of community service officers, Angel Vonbardeleben and Hector Juarez Cruz were identified as suspects.
At 12:13 p.m., officers located a silver Mercedes sedan in the area occupied by both Vonbardeleben and Juarez Cruz. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and detained both suspects. During the detention, officers learned the stolen laptop was pinging from within the vehicle. Based on the probable cause established during the investigation, along with Juarez Cruz’s active probation status, officers searched the vehicle and recovered all reported stolen items.
Vonbardeleben was arrested for vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, and grand theft. Vonbardeleben was transported to the San Mateo County Jail, where he was booked on his charges, while Juarez Cruz was issued a misdemeanor citation for possession of stolen property for an unrelated out-of-state theft case and released.
This investigation serves as a strong reminder to community members of the benefits of AirTag-like devices and how concealing them within personal property can aid police investigations and help deter theft. The San Mateo Police Department encourages community members to report crime and suspicious activity. If you see something, say something—contact your local law enforcement agency as soon as it is safe to do so.
ARRESTED:
Angel Vonbardeleben-25-year-old San Mateo resident
Hector Juarez Cruz-26-year-old San Jose resident
CHARGES:
Angel Vonbardeleben-10851 (A) VC-Vehicle Theft, 496D (A) PC-Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, 496 (A) PC-Possession of Stolen Property. 487 (A) PC-Grand Theft
Hector Juarez Cruz-496 (A) PC-Possession of Stolen Property
