SAN MATEO, CA – On November 4, 2026, at approximately 5:14 p.m., San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to Lululemon, located at 17 Hillsdale Mall, after store employees reported two repeat theft suspects inside the business concealing merchandise.
Several SMPD patrol officers, members of the department’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), and a drone as a first responder (DFR) quickly arrived on scene. A short time later, two juvenile male suspects sprinted out of the business with stolen merchandise, prompting an immediate foot pursuit.
CRU officers pursued the fleeing suspects and successfully detained one juvenile (J-1) nearby. During a coordinated search of the surrounding area, another officer located the second juvenile (J-2) partially concealed in the mall parking lot and detained him without incident.
As officers continued searching for discarded evidence, a CRU sergeant located a third juvenile male suspect (J-3) hiding in a nearby employee stairwell outside Lululemon. The juvenile was wearing a mask and hood and was found holding backpacks belonging to the other two suspects. He was detained without incident.
All three juveniles were arrested in connection with the incident and subsequently released to their parents. J-1 and J-2 were charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, and resisting an officer. J-3 was charged with conspiracy to commit a crime.
The swift response and coordinated efforts of SMPD patrol officers and the Crime Reduction Unit demonstrate the department’s continued commitment to combating retail theft and holding offenders accountable. SMPD remains focused on working closely with local businesses, identifying repeat offenders, and proactively addressing crimes that impact the safety and economic vitality of our community.
Community involvement remains a critical part of preventing crime. The San Mateo Police Department encourages residents, business owners, and employees to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior or criminal activity as soon as it is observed. Timely reporting provides officers with valuable information, helps identify repeat offenders, and allows law enforcement to respond before additional crimes occur. If you see something suspicious, say something. Contact SMPD at (650) 522-7700, or report suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency. For emergencies or crimes in progress requiring immediate assistance, call 911.
ARRESTED
Juvenile male (J-1), 15-year-old San Mateo resident
Juvenile male (J-2), 14-year-old San Bruno resident
Juvenile male (J-3), 15-year-old San Bruno resident
CHARGES:
J-1-459 PC, 182 (A) (1) PC, 148 (A) (1) PC
J-2-459 PC, 182 (A) (1) PC, 148 (A) (1) PC
J-3-182 (A) (1) PC
