'Alert Community Member' Credited with Foiling Peninsula Attempted Robbery Suspect's Escape

SAN MATEO, CA – San Mateo police nabbed both an attempted robbery suspect and a woman wanted on drugs charges this week when "an alert community member" helped them at the scene of a crime, officials say.

Isaak Torres Figueroa, 23, was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, according to the San Mateo Police Department.

Police say it all started around 11:49 a.m. Tuesday, when they got a call regarding a physical fight between two men in the parking lot of Hassett Hardware on 1st Ave.

"Within minutes, officers arrived at the scene and determined that a male suspect attempted to steal the victim’s bicycle when a struggle ensued between the two," police said in a press release. "Shortly thereafter the suspect ran from the scene."

The suspect, later identified as a "well known" transient in the area, didn't get far, though – thanks to an alert area resident who helped police.

"As officers were searching for the suspect, an observant community member directed our officers to a suspicious male hiding within a vehicle," police said.

Figueroa was arrested on attempted robbery charges and taken to the county jail, according to police.

What's more, police say that while they were taking him into custody, they also found a wanted woman.

"A female, identified as 25-year-old Adriana Melchorleon, was contacted with Figueroa and arrested for drug related warrants, possession of stolen property, and forgery," police said. "Melchorleon is not believed to be associated to the attempted robbery at this time."

The fight victim suffered minor injuries in the attempted robbery, police said.

Image via San Mateo Police Department