SSF Man Arrested In Connection To Car Burglaries

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A South San Francisco man was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of stealing property and vandalism in a Peninsula city, Menlo Park Police reported.

James Ornelas, 18, was taken into custody and booked into San Mateo County Jail in connection with a rash of overnight and early-morning auto burglaries occurring at Bay Road and Sonoma Avenue in Menlo Park, officials said.

After reviewing video surveillance footage, it was discovered that two to three unknown suspects dressed in dark clothing were responsible for the burglaries. The investigation revealed that Ornelas was arrested after the timeframe of the auto burglaries on an unrelated vandalism charge, police said.

He matched the description of one of the suspects in possession of the stolen property taken during the course of the auto burglaries, according to police.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident, please contact Sgt. Dennis Weber at 650-330-6337 or the Menlo Park Police anonymous tip line at 650-330-6395.

By Sue Wood, Patch Staff