San Mateo's Alexander Perez was one of three men arrested on suspicion of auto theft and burglary by Marin County Sheriff's deputies on Sunday.
Perez was charged with taking a vehicle without an owner’s consent, possession of burglary tools, and possession of stolen item and booked into Marin County Jail.
A Marin County Sheriff’s deputy was on patrol at 12:17 a.m. Sunday in the area of Santa Venetia when he noticed a Honda Accord traveling on North San Pedro was missing a tire and sparks were coming from the front rim.
The vehicle pulled into the Northgate Gas Station and stopped. The deputy followed the vehicle and spoke with the three occupants associated with the vehicle.
While investigating, Perez, 40, and the two other suspects told the deputy they were in the area for a party, officials. They were unable, however, to provide an address and did not know the area. The three individuals also were also unable to identify who owned the vehicle.
After conducting a records check on the vehicle, the deputy learned that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Oakland on Jan. 19.
While searching the vehicle, deputies located several car keys that had been shaved down in a manner commonly used by car thieves, according to officials. There were other California license plates found in the vehicle not registered to the Honda that returned stolen. Also allegedly located was a VISA debit card that did not belong to any of the three individuals.
The three individuals eventually allegedly admitted to being in the area to conduct thefts. The investigation is continuing to determine the extent of the involvement of these three suspects.
Also arrested on the same charges were Huckthai Sipaseut, 32 of San Pablo, and Freddie Lane, 28 of El Sobrante.
Persons wishing to give crime tips are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 415-479-2311. To remain anonymous and possibly become eligible for a cash reward call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
