By Tony Hicks. Bay City News.
San Mateo police have arrested a so-called "serial thief" after multiple robberies in the past week.
Thus, police arrested Victor Bell, 29, of Daly City, on Saturday after two morning raids, the last of which was broken up by residents.
At 7:30 a.m. on June 21, someone attempted to enter a residence in the 3000 block of Los Prados St. The suspect used a brick to break a window while trying to enter.
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 an apartment's sliding glass window, but fled when he realized it was the resident was home.
Police discovered that another nearby apartment had been broken into 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 while rummaging through the apartment and fled the scene. Officers arrived and obtained a description of the suspect, which matched previous incidents. Surveillance footage was also obtained which confirmed the identity of the suspect. Officers conducting a check of the area received a tip from a resident of a person matching the suspect's description who was running toward 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 several 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 prior robbery offense. A search of his person revealed possession of a drawn 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 for his arrest.
San Mateo police say Bell is likely connected to similar incidents in Foster City and could be linked to others in San Mateo. Anyone with information can contact the San Mateo Police Department at (650) 522-7700.
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