Peninsula 'Criminal Group' Nabbed Trying To Steal FB Property

MENLO PARK, CA — Menlo Park police arrested a "criminal group" at the scene of a crime in town, and later tied some of the members to other area crimes, officials said. In total, three boys and two men were arrested on suspicion of attempting to steal Facebook property in Menlo Park on Tuesday, police reported.

Officer responded at 1:30 p.m. to a report of multiple suspects involved in the theft. Police did not release the exact location.

"When officers arrived, five subjects fled from officers, but were quickly apprehended," police said in a news release. "During the contact, a loaded semi-automatic firearm belonging to the group was located."

The group was all taken to the Menlo Park Police Department for questioning, police said.

"During the investigation, police learned that three of the five subjects were connected to several other felony crimes in the City of Menlo Park, felony vandalism (Case #18-1526) where a firearm was brandished and a felony burglary/home invasion (Case #18-1554) where a firearm was mentioned," police said.

The boys were released to their parents and the adults were released pending charges with the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, according to police.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Ed Soares at (650) 330-6360.

— Bay City News Service contributed to this report / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone