(KRON) -- Police arrested a man on several vehicle crimes including hit-and-run, stolen vehicle and a string of car and home break-in charges.
San Mateo police responded to reports of a hit-and-run on the 200 block of West 40th Avenue just before 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Witnesses told officers they saw a man running from the collision. Police were able to find the suspect's vehicle, a Nissan Altima, abandoned nearby and identify the suspect as David Estrada, 21, of San Mateo.
Police later learned that the Altima had been stolen but had not yet been reported. Surveillance footage of the surrounding area of where the Altima was stolen showed Estrada moving a second car from its driveway partially blocking the roadway before abandoning it.
About 25 minutes after the hit-and-run had been reported, police got a call about an unknown man entering a residence and riffling through a drawer at a home on the 300 block of 41st Avenue. The suspect, later identified as Estrada, fled when the homeowner confronted him, police said.
Police then found Estrada inside a parked car on the 3900 block of Fernwood Street. The car belonged to a nearby resident who had not given Estrada permission to be inside, officials said. The vehicle had also apparently been rummaged through.
Police searched Estrada and found brass knuckles that had a window punch and switchblade knife attached.
"This incident is an important reminder to lock your vehicles and homes, even when you are home or only stepping away for a short period of time," officials said in a statement. "Never leave vehicle keys or other valuables in an easily accessible location, and if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call police immediately."
Estrada was arrested and charged with a slew of crimes including first-degree burglary, vehicle theft, possession of brass knuckles, possession of a switchblade knife, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools, hit and run, petty theft and possession of stolen property.
