The San Mateo Police Department has reported the arrest of a suspect, Tommy Lee Walter III, on multiple charges, including shoplifting and possession of narcotics, according to a recent press release. Macy's Loss Prevention Officers detained the 34-year-old Oakland resident at the Hillsdale Mall location after an alleged shoplifting incident at around 9:24 p.m. yesterday.
Upon the officers' arrival, Walter was also found to have heroin, pepper spray, and a programmable vehicle key fob. A subsequent search led to the discovery of a black Acura MDX in the mall's parking lot, which was reported stolen from Oakland, and what appeared to be scanned and printed license plates matching Acura SUVs from Southern California dealerships inside the vehicle. Officials confirmed through a records check that Walter had an outstanding no-bail parole warrant for absconding and a probation no-bail warrant.
Illegal substances, including MDMA and methamphetamine, were also found within the stolen vehicle. The San Mateo Police Department has booked Walter into the San Mateo County Jail on a list of violations.
"We continue to need the community’s support in reporting crimes and being a good witness," urged the department in its statement. If you witness a crime, they advise contacting the police immediately, taking note of details like the suspect’s appearance, clothing, distinguishing features, and the direction of their escape. These observations can "greatly assist law enforcement in their investigation."
The charges against Walter include petty theft with two or more prior convictions, violation of parole, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance with two or more prior convictions, forging or altering vehicle registration, possession of a controlled substance (narcotic), possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a tear gas weapon.
