3 Teens Arrested For Auto Burglary In Marin County: Police

NOVATO, CA — Three San Rafael teens were arrested Saturday in connection with a Novato auto burglary that took place on Wednesday after their highly recognizable car was spotted by an officer at a convenience store.

Novato Police detectives said they saw camera footage that showed suspects leave in a yellow Mini Cooper on Wednesday after breaking into car on Marin Valley Drive.

At around 11 p.m. on Saturday, an NPD patrol sergeant said he spotted a yellow Mini Cooper with the same license plate near South Novato Boulevard and Redwood Boulevard.

Police said the sergeant followed the car as it circled the neighborhood before parking at 7-Eleven. During the investigation, officers said they noticed open containers of alcohol in plain view with underage passengers.

Police reviewed the previous camera footage and said they identified all three occupants in the yellow Mini Cooper as the suspects.

Police said they arrested San Rafael residents Arturo Mercado, 19, for conspiracy and accessory to a crime; Miguel Mercado, 18, for auto burglary and conspiracy; and Freddie Nunez Guzman, 19, for auto burglary and conspiracy.

"We would like to extend a big thank you to the community member who provided high quality video footage of the vehicle and occupants ultimately leading to the arrests in this case," police said.