Three members of what authorities describe as a 'prolific' burglary crew connected to dozens of home burglaries targeting the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community in San Jose and the South Bay have been arrested.
Three members of what authorities describe as a 'prolific' burglary crew connected to dozens of home burglaries targeting the Asian -American and Pacific Islander community in San Jose and the South Bay have been arrested.
At a news conference Wednesday, San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph announced the arrests of 25-year-old Alberto Ibarra Vallejo, 28-year-old Gonzalo Valencia Ramos and 46-year-old Jaime Martinez Arroyo. With the help of multiple agencies, warrants were executed in Stockton, Hayward and French Camp in San Joaquin County on Jan. 16 and the suspects were arrested.Authorities were also able to recover 700 pieces of evidence, including jewelry, currency, purses, watches and family heirlooms. Five firearms were also seized, three of which were stolen from homes in San Jose and Vallejo.Calling the suspects as a 'prolific group of criminals', Joseph said the trio have been tied to nearly 80 burglaries that have taken place in West San Jose and neighboring communities in the western part of the Santa Clara Valley since June.'These crimes have deeply impacted our communities, instilling fear and preying on many vulnerable families,' Joseph said.According to the chief, the suspects are part of a larger crew that 'methodically cased neighborhoods and targeted households believed to be occupied by AAPI families.' The thieves would often enter through rear yards and glass sliding doors of the homes and targeted jewelry, high-end purses, and cash.During the investigation, which included neighboring law enforcement agencies and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office, detectives were able to connect 'large numbers' of the burglaries to the suspects. Nearly 30 burglaries in San Jose are connected, along with 18 in Cupertino and Saratoga, 20 in Mountain View and 10 in Campbell.Detectives said they received a break in the case after one of the suspects was identfied using footage from a doorbell camera.'Their meticulous investigation, piecing together massive amounts of information, has paid off. Not only in recovering a significant amount of stolen property, but in holding these suspects accountable for their crimes,' Joseph said.The total value of the losses from the burglaries is estimated to be $1 million, according to the chief.Mayor Matt Mahan thanked authorities for their work on the case. 'For roughly six months, our AAPI community in the West San Jose region has lived in fear, as home after home has been broken into and residents have wondered if they are next,' the mayor said.'Once again, we have made clear in San Jose that if you come here to commit crime, to harm our residents, you will be caught and you will be brought to justice,' Mahan went on to say.Joseph said that they would push for hate crime enhancements against those arrested and that they would continue to search for the remaining suspects.'We will not rest until we're positive every member of this burglary ring is apprehended,' he said.Anyone with additional information about the burglaries is asked to contact the San Jose Police Department's burglary unit or their local police department.
AAPI San Jose Mountain View Burglary Hate Crime Cupertino Saratoga Campbell
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bowl Game Preview: San Jose State vs. South FloridaKen Niumatalolo returns to his home state to coach San Jose State against South Florida in a bowl game. The game features high-scoring offenses and a potential for a track meet.
Read more »
South Florida Bulls Face San Jose State Spartans in Hawaii BowlThe South Florida Bulls and the San Jose State Spartans will clash in the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. The game, with an over-under of 63.5, promises to be a high-scoring affair. This marks the Bulls' first appearance in the Hawaii Bowl, while the Spartans will be playing in the game for the second time. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, with live streaming available.
Read more »
South Florida Bulls Face Off Against San Jose State Spartans in Hawaii BowlThe Hawaii Bowl kicks off on Christmas Eve with an exciting matchup between the South Florida Bulls and the San Jose State Spartans.
Read more »
Needed response: San Jose Sharks beat Lightning behind Askarov’s solid effortNHL: Yaroslav Askarov shines for San Jose Sharks against Tampa Bay Lightning
Read more »
Mariachi scene continues to thrive in San Jose and throughout the Bay Area“It’s part of our culture,” says Raymundo Coronado, director of the Hayward-based band Mariachi Mexicanismo. “And we need to keep it alive.”
Read more »
Ross Dress for Less Expands to San Jose, Signaling Hope for Bay Area Real EstateRoss Dress for Less is set to open a new store in San Jose, California, occupying the former space of a Rite Aide pharmacy. This move represents a positive sign for the Bay Area's real estate market, which has faced recent challenges. The new store will be located at 1030 South White Road in a retail center known as White Road Plaza.
Read more »