By Tony Hicks. Bay City News.
San Mateo police have arrested a so-called "serial thief" after multiple robberies in the past week.
Police arrested Victor Bell, 29, of Daly City, on Saturday after two early-morning raids, the last of which was interrupted by residents.
At 7:30 a.m. on June 21, someone attempted to break into a residence in the 3000 block of Los Prados St. The suspect used a brick to break a window while attempting to gain entry.
The homeowner confronted the suspect, who subsequently fled the scene. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage.
At 6:10 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a similar incident in the 2700 block of S Norfolk St. The suspect threw a rock through the sliding glass window of an apartment, but fled when he realized the resident was home.
Police discovered that another apartment nearby had been accessed minutes earlier, and the suspect had entered through a slider, stealing some items from inside the apartment. The stolen items were later found discarded near the scene.
A photo of the suspect was obtained, which matched the description of the first suspect.
At 8:22 a.m., officers responded to another report of a residential burglary at an apartment located in the 1000 block of Park Pl.
The suspect was interrupted by residents as he was rummaging through the apartment and fled the scene. Officers arrived and obtained a description of the suspect, which matched the previous incidents. Surveillance footage was also obtained which confirmed the suspect's identity. Officers conducting a check of the area received information from a resident of a person matching the suspect's description running towards the Hillsdale Mall.
The suspect was later observed on a train platform between 31st and 28th Avenues. A perimeter was established and he was detained by multiple officers as he attempted to flee.
The man was identified as Victor Bell, who had two warrants for his arrest and was on probation for a previous robbery offense. A search of his person revealed possession of an unsheathed knife.
Bell was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of first-degree robbery, attempted robbery, carrying a concealed knife or dagger and warrants.
San Mateo police say Bell is likely connected to similar incidents in Foster City and could be connected to others in San Mateo. Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Mateo Police Department at (650) 522-7700.
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