Proactive SMPD Officer Stops Catalytic Converter Theft

“San Mateo, CA – On Monday, March 14, 2022 at approximately 10:16 p.m., an SMPD officer observed a Toyota Corolla with an open hood and trunk and a Toyota Prius lifted on a vehicle jack located in one of the parking lots at the Hillsdale Shopping Center. Three subjects standing near the vehicles. The officer saw the subjects quickly remove the vehicle jack from underneath the Prius and place it into the open trunk of the Corolla.

The SMPD officer contacted the subjects and identified one as Michael Violette. Violette told the officer that he was the owner of the Prius. However, a records check revealed the vehicle was reported as stolen. Officers identified the other two subjects as Vincent Esquivel and Vianey Haro. Officers learned Haro had two outstanding no bail warrants. SMPD took all three safely into custody without incident. A search incident to arrest of Haro yielded methamphetamine in a pocket.

SMPD patrol officers continued the investigation. While on scene, the registered owner of the Prius arrived. The registered owner started his vehicle and confirmed the exhaust line was cut in an attempt to steal its catalytic converter. All three subjects were booked into San Mateo County Jail for attempted theft, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools and for their individual charges and warrants.

Remember, “If you see something, say something.” We encourage our community to utilize security cameras. They are especially helpful identifying suspicious activity in neighborhoods when cameras are street facing. Our officers regularly canvass for surveillance and you can help by notifying SMPD where cameras are located in your neighborhood at http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/Nest.

This remains an active and open investigation.

ARRESTED

Vincent Esquivel Jr., a 40-year-old San Francisco resident

Charges: Attempted grand theft (664/487 PC), Conspiracy (182(A)(1) PC), Committing a felony while on bail (12022.1 PC) and Possession of burglary tools (466 PC)

Vianey Haro, a 41-year-old Richmond resident

Charges: Attempted grand theft (664/487 PC), Conspiracy (182(A)(1) PC), Possession of a controlled substance (11377 H&S), and Possession of burglary tools (466 PC)

Michael Violette, a 34-year-old San Mateo resident

Charges: Attempted grand theft (664/487 PC), Conspiracy (182(A)(1) PC), Possession of a stolen vehicle (496d(a) PC), and Possession of burglary tools (466 PC)”