San Mateo, CA – On November 11, 2026, at approximately 3:27 p.m., the San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) received a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) alert from a neighboring law enforcement agency regarding suspects involved in a retail theft totaling approximately $2,000. The suspects were reportedly traveling in a black Tesla Model S.
SMPD's Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) immediately began investigating and utilized automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology to track the suspect vehicle's movements. Investigators discovered the Tesla had been in the area of Hillsdale Shopping Center earlier that day.
At approximately 5:00 p.m., ALPR technology alerted officers that the Tesla had returned to San Mateo and was traveling toward the Bridgepointe Shopping Center. As CRU officers and patrol units responded to the area, an additional license plate reader alert placed the suspect vehicle in a neighboring city.
With the assistance of the SMPD Real Time Information Center (RTIC), and a drone as a first responder (DFR), CRU officers subsequently located the Tesla parked outside a retail store. Once additional units arrived, officers conducted an investigative traffic stop on a public roadway and detained the vehicle’s three juvenile female occupants (J-1, J-2, J-3).
During the investigation, officers determined the three juveniles were responsible for a theft earlier that day at Nordstrom Rack in the Bridgepointe Shopping Center. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of stolen clothing from Nordstrom Rack.
All three juveniles were arrested for organized retail theft, petty theft, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Following the investigation, the juveniles were released to their parents.
Retail theft impacts our entire community. The San Mateo Police Department remains committed to protecting local businesses, employees, and shoppers through proactive enforcement and partnerships with our retail community. We encourage business owners and employees to promptly report suspicious activity, organized theft, or individuals believed to be involved in retail crime. Do not confront suspected thieves. Instead, prioritize your safety, document relevant details when safe to do so, and contact police.
ARRESTED:
J-1, 17-year-old San Pablo resident
J-2, 17-year-old San Bruno resident
J-3, 17-year-old San Francisco resident
CHARGES:
490.4 (A) (1) PC-Organized retail theft, 459.5 (A) PC-Petty theft, 182 (A) (1) PC-Conspiracy to commit a crime
