San Mateo, CA – On August 24, 2026, at 2:05 p.m., San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to the Verizon Wireless store, located at 2290 Bridgepointe Pkwy, on a report of theft. While responding, officers learned the suspect, later identified as Jose Simemorales, was leaving the area in a U-Haul truck after attempting to access a Verizon customer’s account and place an unauthorized order for two iPhones.
With the assistance of SMPD’s Real Time Information Center (RTIC) and Drone as a First Responder (DFR), officers located the U-Haul and conducted an investigative traffic stop, detaining Simemorales, who was the driver and sole occupant. Based on the probable cause established during the investigation, Simemorales was arrested for identity theft.
During a search of the vehicle incident to Simemorales’ arrest, officers located numerous fictitious identification cards, blank identification cards, an ID card printer, bank cards not belonging to Simemorales, and numerous boxes of unopened iPhones. Simemorales was additionally charged with displaying a false identification document with the intent to defraud and possessing a document-making device with the intent to defraud. He was ultimately transported to the San Mateo County Jail, where he was booked on his charges.
We ask our community members to stay alert and help us by reporting crimes and suspicious activity. If you see a suspicious person, vehicle, or activity, call the San Mateo Police Department. Trust your instincts. See Something, Say Something.
ARRESTED
Jose Simemorales, 30-year-old New York resident
CHARGES:
530.5 (A) PC-Identity Theft, 470 B PC-Display Fake ID to Defraud Another Person, 483.5 (B) PC -Possess Document Making Device with Intent to Defraud
