Crime & Safety
Police Log 2/27/12: Arrest of Purse Snatch Suspect
City of Novato report on the arrest of suspect in purse snatching cases; arrest does not indicate conviction.
Type of Incident: Commercial Burglary / Grand Theft / Petty Theft
Case #: NP12-945 / NP12-974
Date & Time: 2/17/12 - 1758 hours / 2/19/12 – 2117 hours
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Location: 900 Diablo Ave., Safeway / 5720 Nave Dr., Safeway
VICTIM INFORMATION:
(No Names) 80 year old female
Novato resident / 33 year old female Novato resident
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ARRESTED PERSON(S) / SUSPECT INFORMATION:
Vasquez, Jason HMA DOB 7/10/81 Petaluma resident
BRIEF NARRATIVE AS TO CIRCUMSTANCES:
Novato Police investigated two separate reports of purse thefts from shopping carts, while the victim’s shopped, on 2/17/12 and 2/19/12. In each case, a purse which had been set in the victim’s shopping cart was taken when the victim was distracted. In the incident reported on 2/19/12, the victim’s property was recovered with no reported loss. No weapon was displayed or used during either incident and neither victim was injured.
Following investigation into both incidents, Detectives identified Jason Vasquez as the perpetrator. Vasquez was in custody in Marin County Jail after being arrested for a similar crime which occurred in San Rafael when he was identified.
Vasquez is being charged with two counts of commercial burglary, one count of petty theft, and one count of grand theft from a person. Investigation is continuing into these matters.
Press Release PD Form# 20-41-07
INVOLVED OFFICERS: Officer F. Sedeno, Officer M. Ramirez, and Detective D. Jenner.
RELEASED BY: Sergeant M. Howard
DATE: 2/21/12