A quick-acting witness and prompt police response led to the arrest of a Morgan Hill woman for auto burglary in Palo Alto, officials reported. On the morning of February 22, Palo Alto police received a call at around 8:58 a.m. about a potential car burglary in progress, instigated by a witness who had first heard the woman yelling, then saw her in a vehicle they did not recognize as hers.
Responding to the incident, which unfolded in the 900 block of High Street, officers discovered the suspect in a white 2020 Ford Escape, the suspect exited the vehicle and walked away but was soon detained by police without incident, who noticed pry marks on the car signifying forced entry. According to the City of Palo Alto's statement, Ammiel Elisabeth Lawson, 42, allegedly used a key to open the locked vehicle and gain entry.
Lawson, who hails from Morgan Hill, was found in possession of a wallet that police linked to the owner of the burglarized Ford Escape, a man in his fifties; the authorities successfully returned the wallet to its rightful owner. In the aftermath of the crime, police booked Lawson into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges that included auto burglary, a felony, and possession of burglary tools, a misdemeanor due to the key used for breaking into the car.
The authorities have yet to establish a connection between Lawson and any other auto burglary incidents, with ongoing investigations by the detectives. According to law enforcement, the suspect's booking photo was released. The public has been urged to take action with any information that could shed light on the case. This can be done anonymously through various channels provided by the police department.
Anyone with relevant details about the auto burglary or additional tips is encouraged to contact the Palo Alto 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413 or send anonymous information via e-mail to [email protected], or through text message or voice mail to (650) 383-8984.
