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

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   

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