Lawrence Edward Thomas
MILPITAS – The Milpitas Police Department has announced the arrest of two wanted robbery suspects who randomly targeted shoppers in order to steal their gold jewelry.
According to Milpitas Lieutenant Raj Maharaj, “On Sunday, September 4, 2016, at approximately 10:21 P.M., a Milpitas couple drove to their residence after shopping and were followed into their garage by two male suspects.”
Jake Baker
During a violent confrontation both male suspects exited a 1999 gold Lexus RX 300 SUV and assaulted the female victim, forcefully stole her purse and a gold necklace she was wearing. While trying to protect his wife the male victim was assaulted by a second suspect who stole his gold bracelet and gold necklace.
During a brief investigation into the suspect’s vehicle police were able to determine the identity of 22-year-old Oakland resident, Lawrence Edward Thomas of Oakland, as the first suspect.
Milpitas investigators where then able to obtain a $155,000 warrant for Thomas’ arrest. Thomas was arrested on September 6, 2016 with the help of the Oakland Police Department. Thomas was charged with felony burglary, and battery. A second suspect was then identified as 27-year-old Jake William Otis Baker Jr.
A warrant for his arrest for $200,000 was issued. However, Baker turned himself into police on September 29, 2016. Baker was then booked into the Santa Clara Main Jail for robbery.
“Although crimes of this type are rare in Milpitas, the Police Department would like to remind residents to remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, even when running quick errands or returning home,” Maharaj said. “If you believe you’re being followed, it’s better to drive to a populated, public place and call 911 rather than returning home.”
If you have any information regarding this robbery or other crimes in Milpitas, you are encouraged to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Information may also be given anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500, or via the Milpitas Police Department website at: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/crimetip
