Pinole Police Arrest Auto Burglary Suspect

PINOLE, CA — Police believe a 32-year-old man who was arrested early Sunday morning may have used his position as a security guard at a Pinole shopping center in order to commit auto burglaries.

Around 2:50 a.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle burglary that occurred at the In-N-Out Burger parking lot at 1417 Fitzgerald Drive, police said.

Upon arrival, officers saw a suspect vehicle fleeing the area. Officers were able to stop the vehicle at Richmond Parkway and Lakeside Drive in Richmond, according to police.

The sole occupant inside the car was identified as Peletisara Patu of San Francisco. Officers searched his vehicle and found a stun gun, narcotics, paraphernalia, burglary tools and items taken from the vehicle
burglary, police said.

• Also See: Police Release Photo, Video of East Bay Package Thief

Officers also learned Patu worked as a contract security guard in the area where the burglary occurred.

Officers arrested Patu on suspicion of auto burglary, possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Patu was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility, according to police.

— Bay City News