Peninsula Pursuit Leads To Arrest of Alleged Gang Associate

SAN MATEO, CA — A traffic stop led the to arrest an alleged gang member suspected of driving a stolen vehicle Sunday, police said.

San Mateo Police officers patrolling the area of East Poplar Avenue and North Amphlett Blvd attempted to conduct a traffic stop for a vehicle violation when Alexander Duenas, the driver of the red Honda, evaded police on North Idaho Street and Thomas Court and fled the car on foot into nearby backyards, police said.

Police said they located Duenas after setting up a perimeter. Duenas fought and resisted officers, police said.

Police said they found gang-inscribed clothing Duenas shed before they found him.

Leanne Rodriguez, the lone passenger, remained in the vehicle and was found to be in possession of narcotics paraphernalia, police said.

Duenas, 23 of San Mateo, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest and subsequently released due to COVID-19 jail restrictions, police said.

Rodriguez, 29 of San Mateo, was issued a misdemeanor citation, police said.