BAD GUY IN CUSTODY

Advisory: Community Assist, Round-the-Clock Detective Work Result in COMMUNITY ALERT 

CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT 
200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403 
www.cityofsanmateo.org 


Hugo Munguia, a 20 year-old resident of unincorporated Redwood City, is in custody for a violent residential burglary-gone-wrong! We were able to take another violent criminal off the street this week thanks to a tip from the community - generated by our use of traditional and social media, and the relentless follow-up and investigation of your SMPD Detectives. 

Last week, SMPD Detectives asked for our Community’s assistance to help identify the suspect in a violent incident, where a 66 year old female resident interrupted a suspect burglarizing her Edinburgh Street home. The victim was tied up by the suspect, and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. By the time the victim broke free and notified us, the suspect had already fled the scene. 

SMPD was able to confirm that this was an isolated incident that started as a burglary of an unoccupied residence. The burglary followed the typical door-knock burglary pattern that we have seen as a Bay Area-wide trend. Unfortunately the suspect was able to gain easy access to the residence due to unlocked perimeter gates and doors. The suspect violently escalated this crime when the victim arrived home. She was taken hostage for over 24 hours as the suspect stole property and accessed the victim’s debit cards. 

SMPD Detectives worked around-the-clock on about 30 leads called in based on the ATM photo of the suspect that we published with the assistance of traditional and social media. 

Detectives were able to lock their sights on Munguia, and quickly established factors that matched him up to this crime. On Thursday March 27th, at about 4:30pm, Munguia was arrested by our Crime Reduction Unit upon arriving at his residence. Detectives executed a search warrant at Munguia’s residence, and seized significant evidence tying him to the crime. 

Munguia was booked into San Mateo County Jail for Robbery, Residential Burglary, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Kidnapping (for moving the victim to another room in the residence), and False Imprisonment of an Elder. SMPD Detectives are investigating Munguia’s possible involvement in other burglaries. 

This is an important example of how the media and community assistance helped us track down this violent criminal. 


SAFETY REMINDER: 
This incident unfortunately occurred because an unknowing victim was surprised to return home to a stranger in her residence. If you arrive home and anything seems amiss – if suspicious activity is occurring or has occurred, or you find a stranger in your home – back out if you can - go to a safe place and CALL SMPD immediately! Do not confront suspects during the commission of a crime – we can never assume the behavior of criminal strangers. 

This case was also discovered to have begun as a typical door-knock burglary. Remember that burglars are opportunists – make sure that your homes are completely secured when you leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes! 

As always, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING – If you see ANY in-progress crime or suspicious activity, please contact the police department immediately via 911. 

SMPD Dispatch Non-Emergency Number – 650-522-7700 

MEDIA FOLLOW-UP: 
This suspect in the case above has been arrested. SMPD does not have available booking photos – for booking photos, please contact the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at pio@smcgov.org. For follow-up questions regarding this incident, please contact the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. 

SMPD Media Point-of-Contact for this case is 
PIO Sergeant Dave Norris 650-522-7626 dnorris@cityofsanmateo.org