Yesterday, a routine traffic stop by the San Mateo County Sheriff's deputies led to the discovery of stolen firearms and various burglary tools. The stop, taking place around 2:15 AM on northbound I-280 at the Sand Hill Road exit, became anything but routine when deputies spotted items in the vehicle that raised suspicions of criminal activity.
The deputies noticed gloves, flashlights, face masks, and other items commonly used in burglaries. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Jose E. Matute Vaquedano, was found to be on probation for robbery and prohibited from owning firearms. His companion, 27-year-old Mauricio Peralta Marin, had an illegal explosive device, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.
Further investigation led to the finding of two stolen rifles in the vehicle, which were quickly connected to a residential burglary in Santa Cruz County. Stolen tools and additional burglary equipment were also recovered from the car. The rightful owner of the rifles and tools, a Santa Cruz County resident, will soon be reunited with their property.
Both Matute Vaquedano and Peralta Marin faced multiple charges, including possession of a firearm in a vehicle, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of stolen property, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of burglary tools, and possession of an explosive device. Matute Vaquedano was additionally charged for being an unlicensed driver.
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information about the case to contact Deputy A. Ochoa via email at [email protected] or to provide anonymous tips by calling 1-800-547-2700.
