Photo: Caleb Smith and Maurice S Griffin
SAN LEANDRO — Two young men suspected of committing a spree of vehicle burglaries were arrested last week. This is each man’s third arrest—for a growing list of crimes.
At least five vehicles were burglarized during the predawn hours of January 15th. The sidewalks near the intersection of Western and 148th avenues were littered with broken glass, resulting from these break-ins.
At approximately 4:20 a.m., San Leandro police received a call concerning two suspicious persons. They seemed out of place—walking around this time in a residential neighborhood.
Shortly after a responding an officer arrived in the area, the first of several burglarized vehicles was located. The officer found four more burglarized vehicles while circling the neighborhood.
After a second SLPD officer arrived on the scene, two suspects were located walking around. One of the suspects was wearing a backpack that seemed suspiciously overstuffed.
While officers were questioning 20-year-old Oakland resident Caleb Smith, they found suspected stolen items inside his backpack. His 19-year-old companion, Maurice S. Griffin was found in possession of a window punch tool used to break glass.
Smith and Griffin were both arrested and booked for burglary at Santa Rita Jail. Smith also faces charges for receiving or concealing stolen property. In addition, Griffin faces seven separate weapons-related charges, and for possession of burglary tools.
Smith has prior two arrests for trespassing, and resisting or obstructing a police officer, among other offenses in 2018. Griffin was arrested twice last year for weapons-related charges.
