Above: Stock Image
The San Mateo Police Department has announced the arrest of a primary suspect in connection to a recent series of burglaries.
According to a press release by the department, the investigation began on June 21, 2023, with a residential burglary occurred at around 7:30 AM on the 3000 block of Los Prados Street. The suspect, armed with a brick, shattered a window in an attempt to gain entry. The homeowner confronted the suspect, who quickly fled the scene. Surveillance footage captured the suspect, reportedly described as a Black male with dreadlocks, dressed in all black clothing, wearing a balaclava, and carrying a skateboard.
Just three days later, on the morning of June 24, officers responded to a similar incident on the 2700 block of S. Norfolk Street. In this case, the suspect allegedly threw a rock through a sliding glass window of an apartment. Upon realizing that the resident of the apartment was home, the suspect fled, police said.
Officers discovered that a neighboring apartment had also been accessed shortly before. Items allegedly stolen from this apartment were later found discarded near the scene. A photo of the suspect was obtained, revealing a Black male wearing all black attire, black and yellow gloves, and carrying a black backpack with a green logo.
Just before 8:30 AM that same day, officers responded to a residential burglary on the 1000 block of Park Place. The suspect was reportedly interrupted by residents while rummaging inside the apartment and quickly fled. Responding officers obtained a description of the suspect, which closely matched the previous incidents. Surveillance footage further confirmed this.
Following a resident sighting, officers conducted an area check near the Hillsdale Shopping Center, where the suspect was reportedly seen on the train platform between 31st Avenue and 28th Avenue. A perimeter was established, and the suspect, identified as Victor Bell, a 29-year-old resident of Daly City, was apprehended as he attempted to flee.
Bell was found to have two arrest warrants and was on CDC parole for a previous burglary offense. A search of his person revealed the possession of an unsheathed knife.
Investigators reportedly suspect Bell in other burglaries, and additional investigations are underway to determine potential involvement in other incidents within San Mateo. The San Mateo Police Department urges anyone with additional information to come forward and contact them.
Bell has been booked into the San Mateo County jail on suspicion of first-degree burglary, attempted burglary, carrying a concealed dirk or dagger, and the arrest warrants.
