Over the weekend, a residential burglary in Palo Alto was thwarted thanks to a home security system and timely police intervention. Four suspects were arrested on charges of burglary and conspiracy after the resident, who was overseas, observed the intrusion in real time, as reported by the City of Palo Alto. The incident took place on Byron Street at approximately 9:29 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, when the suspects forcibly entered the unoccupied home.
According to the press release by the Palo Alto Police, upon the resident's notification, officers immediately responded and encountered three individuals fleeing the scene. They managed to apprehend the suspects after a brief chase, during which one of the suspects experienced pain from jumping off the second-story balcony. Paramedics evaluated the individual, who was subsequently released at the scene. Police found a fourth suspect, a minor, in a Chevrolet Tahoe parked nearby, which had a license plate registered to a Ford. The Tahoe and the license plate are both subjects of ongoing investigations, and the items have not been reported as stolen before the incident.
The police search revealed that two upstairs bedrooms had been ransacked. Personal property was packed into bags, which police recovered along with burglary tools and stolen jewelry that may not be from the Byron Street residence. The four suspects identified themselves as visitors from Chile. They are now facing felony charges for residential burglary and conspiracy and misdemeanor charges for resisting arrest and possession of burglary tools.
The adults, 23-year-old Christian Cerveracolan and 18-year-old Jorge Pacheco, have been booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail, with Pacheco also facing misdemeanor charges for his possession of burglary tools. The two minors involved in the crime were taken to the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall, and because they are underage, no further details on their identities have been disclosed. The arresting officers' prompt response likely prevented the loss of additional property and potential burglaries in the neighborhood.
As the investigation continues, the Palo Alto Police Department is reaching out to the public for any further information regarding the case. They encourage anyone with relevant information to contact their
