Hit-And-Run Investigation Uncovers Burglary, Stolen Cars In San Mateo: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A hit-and-run investigation early Saturday led police to a trail of vehicle break-ins, a residential burglary and a stolen car before officers arrested a San Mateo man, police said.

The investigation began around 2:23 a.m. after officers responded to the 200 block of W. 40th Avenue for a reported hit-and-run. Police found a Nissan Altima abandoned nearby, and a witness reported seeing a man running from the crash.

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About 25 minutes later, officers were called to the 300 block of 41st Avenue after a homeowner reported an unknown man inside his home rummaging through a drawer. The homeowner confronted the man, who fled. Police said they later determined he had also entered and rummaged through a vehicle belonging to residents at the home.

Officers said they later found the man inside another parked car on Fernwood Street. Police said the vehicle belonged to nearby residents who did not know him and had not given him permission to enter.

The man was identified as David Estrada, 21, of San Mateo. Witnesses from both the hit-and-run and burglary separately identified Estrada during field show-ups, police said.

Officers found brass knuckles equipped with a window punch and a switchblade knife during a search after his arrest.

Police also determined the Nissan involved in the crash had been stolen and had not yet been reported stolen. During a neighborhood search, officers found another vehicle partially blocking a roadway and driveway. Surveillance footage showed Estrada entering that vehicle and moving it from the driveway before leaving it behind, police said.

Estrada was booked into San Mateo County Jail on charges including first-degree burglary, vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, hit-and-run, petty theft, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, possession of a switchblade knife and possession of brass knuckles, police said.