SAN MATEO, Calif. — A stolen vehicle report from the 400 block of North Idaho Street on July 15 led police to a suspect tied to multiple auto burglaries in the area.
The investigation continued into the next day, with assistance from outside agencies. The suspect vehicle was eventually located, but the driver refused to stop — even with air support in pursuit, police said.
The vehicle finally came to a halt in San Francisco, where the suspect, later identified as Brian Tapia, 30, of San Leandro, fled on foot. Officers were able to apprehend Tapia shortly after.
He was arrested on multiple charges, including:
Vehicle theft
Vehicle tampering
Petty theft
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Possession of a controlled substance
Possession of a controlled substance without prescription
Tapia was booked into the San Mateo County Jail, where he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Authorities say the arrest may help close several other recent auto burglary cases in the region.
