Suspect Sought In Break-In At Milpitas Eatery

A burglar caught by an officer outside a Milpitas restaurant led him on a vehicle chase early this morning and remains at large, a police lieutenant said.

Around 5:30 a.m., an officer was patrolling in the area on South Abel Street south of West Calaveras Boulevard. He saw a green SUV parked in front of Bao House, a hot pot restaurant that was closed at the time, police Lt. Henry Kwong said.

The officer approached the restaurant, where he saw the front glass door was broken and called for additional police personnel, Kwong said. While waiting for more officers, the suspect came out of the restaurant and jumped into the SUV, the lieutenant said.

The officer was nearly hit by the fleeing suspect and jumped into his patrol car to follow the SUV, according to Kwong. The chase went to westbound Calaveras Boulevard and continued for about 2.5 miles, Kwong said.

The officer lost sight of the suspect vehicle, which was later found abandoned in the area of North First Street and state Highway 237 in San Jose, Kwong said. Detectives determined the suspect took $200 in cash from the restaurant, Kwong said.

Officers have canvassed businesses near the restaurant and where the vehicle was found abandoned for surveillance footage that could assist police in their investigation, he said.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Milpitas police at (408) 586-2400.

--Bay City News