Three individuals, including a U-Haul employee, were arrested by the San Rafael Police Department for felony vehicle burglary. The incident took place in San Rafael’s West End neighborhood on Sunday.
Early in the morning on January 7th, a victim reported their vehicle had been burglarized in the 200 block of Santa Margarita Drive. The victim witnessed the suspects fleeing the scene in a U-Haul rental van.
San Rafael officers responded promptly and reviewed the surveillance video of the incident. Based on the footage, they remained in the area to locate the van and the suspects.
Around 6:30 a.m., the officers spotted the U-Haul rental van traveling westbound on Fourth Street from San Anselmo. Upon closer inspection, quantities of suspected stolen property were visible through the van’s windows. The clothing worn by the individuals matched what was captured on the surveillance video. Consequently, the officers detained all three occupants of the van.
Further investigation revealed that both the van and the stolen property inside were connected to the reported vehicle burglary on Santa Margarita Drive.
The driver of the U-Haul van, identified as Vasquez-Paxtor, was found to be on Marin County probation due to a prior stolen vehicle conviction. Notably, Vasquez-Paxtor was an employee at a local U-Haul business.
Vasquez-Paxtor, along with Orellana and Nunez-Rivera, was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail. They face charges of felony vehicle burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, and conspiracy to commit burglary.
Nunez-Rivera faces an additional charge of drug possession, while Vasquez-Paxtor is also accused of violating the terms of his probation.
The San Rafael Police Department remains committed to deterring and preventing crimes in the community. They urge residents to report any suspicious activity promptly.
Vehicle burglaries are not only a violation of personal property but can also compromise the safety and security of individuals and their neighborhoods. As residents, it is vital to take necessary precautions to safeguard our vehicles, such as locking doors, not leaving valuables inside, and parking in well-lit areas.
The arrest of the U-Haul employee involved in the burglary highlights the importance of ensuring trust and accountability within companies. Employers must implement rigorous background checks and maintain strict oversight to prevent employees from engaging in criminal activities.
The San Rafael Police Department’s swift action and successful apprehension of the suspects demonstrate their commitment to upholding public safety. Law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security within communities, working diligently to protect innocent victims and bring criminals to justice.
Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly, as collective efforts can help deter criminal activities in the future. By working together, we can create safer environments for everyone to thrive.
