MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT
SMPD Detectives are looking for the Community’s assistance to help them identify the suspect in a violent incident, where a 66 year old female victim interrupted a suspect burglarizing her Edinburgh Street home. The victim was tied up by the suspect, and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers and Detectives responded immediately when the victim was able to break free and call the police. Detectives took the victim to the hospital to be treated for injuries consistent with her report. Additional SMPD Officers responded to check the victim’s residence and comb the crime scene and surrounding area for evidence and witnesses. The suspect was not on scene and has not yet been located.
The victim described the ordeal which began when she returned to her residence at about noon on Monday March 17th, and found the suspect burglarizing her home. The suspect restrained the victim, obtained her ATM card, and held the victim in her home while he accessed her account several times over the next 24 hours.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male approximately 30 years-old, about 5’10’’ with a medium build, and had medium length hair with a “Wave” at the end. He was armed with a handgun. A photo of the suspect using the victim’s ATM card is attached and we are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying this individual.
This appears to be an isolated incident that may have started as a burglary of an unoccupied residence. SMPD is dedicating significant resources to identifying and arresting the suspect in this heinous, violent crime. We need the community’s help as well. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact San Mateo Police – Det. Bennett at 650-522-7664 orsbennett@cityofsanmateo.org
SAFETY REMINDER:
This incident unfortunately occurred because an unknowing victim was surprised to return home to a stranger in her residence. If you arrive home and anything seems amiss – if suspicious activity is occurring or has occurred, or you find a stranger in your home – back out if you can - go to a safe place and CALL SMPD immediately! Do not confront suspects during the commission of a crime – we can never assume the behavior of criminal strangers.
As always, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING – If you see ANY in-progress crime or suspicious activity, please contact the police department immediately via 911.
SMPD Dispatch Non-Emergency Number – 650-522-7700
SMPD Dispatch Non-Emergency Number – 650-522-7700
Safety tips, more on “what is suspicious?” and other information is available at SMPD’s Public Safety Blog: www.SanMateoPD.org
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