Crime & Safety
Repeat Home Depot Theft Suspect Arrested After SMC Burglary: Police
Police said the suspect fled after being confronted by store employees before officers tracked him down and recovered merchandise.
SAN MATEO, CA — A man accused of repeatedly stealing from Home Depot was arrested Tuesday after police said he fled the store following the theft of about $1,200 in merchandise, police said.
Officers responded around 1:05 p.m. to the Home Depot at 2001 Chess Dr. after receiving a report of a theft in progress.
Police said Kingston Tasker, 31, of Los Gatos, left the store with the unpaid merchandise before being confronted by Home Depot asset protection employees.
Find out what's happening in San Mateofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Investigators said Tasker abandoned the stolen items and fled the parking lot in a white Lexus SUV.
Officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
Find out what's happening in San Mateofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police said they arrested Tasker on suspicion of second-degree burglary and petty theft with two or more prior theft convictions.
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered merchandise investigators said had been stolen during a separate Home Depot theft in East Palo Alto.
Tasker was booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
