Colma police apprehended a repeat offender last Friday after he attempted to steal from a store and was caught in possession of drugs. According to a social media post by the Colma Police Department, Eliot Rodriguez, a 27-year-old San Francisco resident, ended up behind bars for felony theft, shoplifting, and drug possession.
At about 5:17 PM, loss prevention staff alerted officers at a business on Junipero Serra Boulevard, where Rodriguez was panhandling and concealing merchandise. Once confronted, he returned some items but continued to deny having more. Despite multiple warnings that he would be arrested if found with additional concealed merchandise upon leaving, Rodriguez remained obstinate.
As Rodriguez was escorted out of the store, he was arrested after more food merchandise was found on his person. After the arrest, officers discovered a controlled substance during a search. Based on prior convictions, Rodriguez's act of theft escalated to a felony due to California's Proposition 36, which addresses repeat offenders.
The police department's records check highlighted Rodriguez's status under Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) in their county and probation in a neighboring one. The repeat nature of his offenses ensured his arrest on the more serious felony theft charge with priors. This most recent incident has led to Rodriguez being booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
