Attempted Armed Robbery – 2 Arrested
Contact: Captain Tracy Avelar, (650) 286-3300, tavelar@fostercity.org
On January 29, 2017 about 12:40 PM, Foster City Police Officers responded to the Edgewater Place Shopping Center on the report of an armed robbery in the parking lot. The victim reported she was sitting in her parked vehicle in the parking lot when the suspect approached her window. The suspect demanded property from the victim. When she did not immediately comply the suspect pointed a handgun at her and again demanded her property. The victim screamed and the suspect ran away, entering a nearby getaway vehicle driven by a second suspect. The suspects then fled the area at a high rate of speed. Alert citizens in the parking lot heard the victim shouting and provided responding officers with a suspect description, vehicle description, and license plate.
The investigation led to the identification of the two suspects as a 21-year-old Belmont resident, Jason Mateo; and a 17-year-old male Foster City resident.
On January 30, 2017 FCPD, with the assistance of Belmont PD and San Mateo PD, located the suspect vehicle used in this crime and seized it as evidence. FCPD detectives obtained a search warrant on the vehicle and upon searching, found the firearm used in the attempted robbery.
On February 1, 2017, FCPD detectives arrested the 17-year-old juvenile suspect. He was transported to the Youth Services Center and booked for attempted robbery and conspiracy.
Jason Mateo was located on February 3, 2017 by San Mateo County Sheriff Deputies and turned over to FCPD detectives. Mateo was transported to the San Mateo County Jail where he was booked for attempted robbery, conspiracy, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
In an effort to prevent similar crimes, drivers are encouraged to park in well-lit areas and to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If someone threatens you while you are in your car, lock all your doors and blow the horn in short bursts to attract attention. If you are followed by another car, honk your horn all the way to the nearest Police or Fire Station.
