Serial burglary suspect nabbed by San Mateo police

A suspected serial burglar who’s eluded capture was arrested by the San Mateo Police Department after authorities say evidence shows him entering at least three different apartments, alarming residents.

A Daly City man, 29, was arrested after a residential burglary on Saturday morning while fleeing a Caltrain platform between 28th and 31st avenues.

Police said the suspect, on parole for a previous burglary offense, carried an unsheathed knife. He is now in San Mateo County Jail.

The burglary spree started on the morning of June 21, when police say the suspect used a brick to shatter a window in an attempted entry in the 3000 block of Los Prados Street. The homeowner confronted the suspect, who fled the scene. Surveillance footage captured a Black male with dreadlocks, dressed in all black clothing, wearing a balaclava, and carrying a skateboard leaving the area.

At 6:10 a.m. on the morning of June 24, authorities say the suspect threw a rock through the sliding glass window of an apartment in the 2700 block of S. Norfolk Street but fled when he realized the resident was at home.

Upon responding to the scene, officers discovered a theft from another nearby apartment. The stolen items were later found discarded near the scene. A photo of the suspect was obtained, revealing a Black male wearing all black attire, black and yellow gloves, and carrying a black backpack with a green logo.

At 8:22 a.m. on June 24, authorities say the suspect was interrupted by residents while rummaging inside the apartment in the 1000 block of Park Place. Officers arrived promptly and obtained a description of the suspect, which closely matched the previous incidents. Surveillance footage was also obtained, confirming the suspect’s identity, police say.

Officers received information from a neighborhood resident that a person matching the suspect’s description had run toward the Hillsdale Shopping Center. A perimeter was established, and the suspect was apprehended.

An additional burglary in San Mateo is under investigation to determine the suspect’s involvement. Foster City police are also investigating his possible role in burglaries in their city.

Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the San Mateo Police Department at www.cityofsanmateo.org/NEST or call 650-522-7629.