Man Steals Fire Extinguisher After Failed Alcohol Theft In SMC: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A suspected robber fled a San Mateo 7-Eleven with a fire extinguisher early Thursday after his attempt to steal booze didn't work out, police said.

Officers responded around 3:47 a.m. to the 7-Eleven at 11 Laurie Meadows Dr. for a reported theft in progress, according to the San Mateo Police Department.

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Investigators said a 25-year-old Redwood City man had tried to steal alcohol from the 7-Eleven before the store clerk confronted him, police said. The two struggled over the suspect's backpack, where police said the alcohol was believed to be located.

The clerk recovered the alcohol and left the store to report the incident, according to police. The suspect then took a fire extinguisher from inside the store and fled with it, police said.

A store employee told officers that a man, had fled on foot toward Blossom Circle.

Officers located the suspect a short time later in a condominium stairwell on Blossom Circle, police said.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor abrasions before being booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of robbery, resisting an officer and willfully and maliciously tampering with fire equipment, police said.