Vehicle Stopped for Code Violations Leads to Burglary Suspect’s Arrest
NOVATO — Sometimes timing works out perfectly. A patrol officer spotted a suspicious car and nabbed a burglary suspect with an outstanding arrest warrant.
The suspect was also found in possession of stolen property later identified by the victim.
The car was being driven unusually slowly through a residential neighborhood. It was stopped December 28 at 3:30 a.m. on account of vehicle code violations.
Suspicions were further aroused as property inside the car was inventoried before it was towed.
The driver was unable to explain why he had in his possession children’s artwork and what appeared to be family mementos. The officer suspected the items were stolen property.
The items were taken for safekeeping and further investigation. The officer was able to identify the possible owner of the property and contacted a Gazania Court resident on the following day.
The victim confirmed this property had been stored inside their garage and belonged to them. However, until the officer showed up the victim was unaware that a burglary had occurred.
Meanwhile, the suspect arrived at the Novato Police Station the same time as the officer returned there. Mario A. Quiroz-Perez, 43 of San Francisco, was at the police station expecting to retrieve his car.
Instead, Quiroz-Perez was arrested on suspicion of committing a burglary on Gazania Court in Novato during the previous night. He was booked at Marin County Jail on December 29 for burglary PC 459.
