Photos: (Photo:1 top) Evidence Collected; (Photos 2 & 3 in story) Evidence Collected and Suspects Vehicle
Originally Published By: San Mateo Police Department Facebook Page:
“San Mateo, CA –On August 4, 2022, at approximately 3:05 a.m., SMPD patrol officers were dispatched to Trollman Avenue near North Quebec Street on the report of a theft of a catalytic converter. Officers quickly arrived on scene, but the suspects fled prior to officers’ arrival. Officers remained in the area and continued the investigation.
While patrolling for the suspects, SMPD received a second report of a catalytic converter theft on Trollman Avenue. Officers promptly located the suspect vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. When the suspect vehicle failed to yield, a pursuit began. SMPD officers followed the suspect vehicle as it traveled west through San Mateo. The vehicle continued into Hillsborough, CA. Towards the end of the pursuit, the right front tire detached from the suspect vehicle and bounced onto the windshield of the pursuing SMPD patrol vehicle. Shortly after, the suspect vehicle collided with a large rock located in front of a residence at the unit block of Baywood Avenue. After the collision, three suspects exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Officers chased the suspects and caught one suspect, later identified as Olben Hernandez Lopez, as he climbed a fence located nearby. Hernandez Lopez kicked an officer in the face and continued to fight with officers on the ground. Officers overcame his resistance and arrested Hernandez Lopez without further incident.
SMPD patrol officers continued the investigation. Colma Police Department, Hillsborough Police Department and San Bruno Police Department responded to the scene and assisted with searching for the two additional suspects. Despite a valiant effort, the other two suspects avoided apprehension and remain outstanding. SMPD officers searched the suspect vehicle and located: six freshly cut catalytic converters, three pipes used for inhaling methamphetamine, and burglary tools. Hernandez Lopez was transported to San Mateo County Jail and booked for grand theft, receiving stolen property, possession of burglary tools, obstructing/resisting an executive officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, and conspiracy.
Remember, “If you see something, say something.” We are encouraging our community to utilize security cameras. They are especially helpful in identifying suspicious activity in neighborhoods when cameras are street facing. Our officers regularly canvass for surveillance and you can help us by notifying SMPD where cameras are located in your neighborhood at www.cityofsanmateo.org/Nest.
ARRESTED catalytic
Olben Hernandez Lopez, a 33-year-old Oakland resident
Charges: Grant Theft (487(a) PC),Receiving Stolen Property (496(a) PC), Possession of Burglary Tools (466 PC), Obstructing/Resisting an executive officer (69 PC), Possession of drug paraphernalia (11364(A) H &S), and Conspiracy (182 PC). “
