Officers investigating an early morning hit and run connected the suspect to a residential burglary, multiple vehicle crimes, a stolen vehicle, and possession of prohibited weapons.
San Mateo, CA – On October 3, 2026, at approximately 2:23 a.m., San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to the 200 block of W 40th Ave on the report of a hit and run collision. Officers located the suspected vehicle, a Nissan Altima, abandoned nearby. A witness reported seeing a male suspect, later identified as David Estrada, running from the area following the collision.
Approximately 25 minutes later, officers responded to the 300 block of 41st Ave after a homeowner reported an unknown male had entered their residence and was seen rummaging through a drawer. The homeowner confronted the suspect, later identified as Estrada, who immediately fled. During the investigation, officers learned Estrada had also entered and rummaged through a vehicle associated with the residence before entering the home.
While officers continued investigating, Estrada was located inside another parked vehicle in the 3900 block of Fernwood St. The vehicle belonged to nearby residents who did not know Estrada and had not given him permission to be inside. After initially refusing officers' commands, Estrada was taken into custody without further incident. Officers determined the vehicle had also been rummaged through.
Witnesses from both the hit and run collision and residential burglary positively identified Estrada during separate in-field show-ups. During a search incident to arrest, officers located brass knuckles in Estrada's possession that had a window punch and switchblade knife attached.
As the investigation continued, officers contacted the owner of the Nissan Altima involved in the original collision and learned the vehicle had been stolen from a nearby area but had not yet been reported to law enforcement. During a neighborhood canvass, officers also discovered another vehicle partially blocking a roadway and driveway. Surveillance video showed Estrada entering that vehicle and moving it from the driveway before abandoning it.
Based on the investigation, Estrada was arrested for multiple offenses, including vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, residential burglary, hit and run, theft, possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, possession of a switchblade knife, and possession of brass knuckles. Estrada was transported and booked into San Mateo County Jail.
This incident is an important reminder to lock your vehicles and homes, even when you are home or only stepping away for a short period of time. Never leave vehicle keys or other valuables in an easily accessible location, and if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call police immediately. Alert residents and witnesses played a vital role in helping officers quickly identify and locate the suspect in this case.
ARRESTED
David Estrada, 21-year-old San Mateo resident
CHARGES:
460 (A) PC-First-degree burglary, 10851 (A) PC-Vehicle theft, 21810 PC-Possession of brass knuckles, 21510 (B)-Possession of a switchblade knife, 460 D (A)-Possession of a stolen vehicle, 466 PC-Possession of burglary tools, 20002 (A) PC-Hit and run, 484 (A)-Petty theft, 496 (A)-Possession of stolen property
