The Manteca Police Department has made significant headway in resolving the spate of vehicle burglaries that marred the festive spirit at the Great Wolf Lodge last Thanksgiving. In a social media post detailed by the department, two of the three culprits have been apprehended outside the Roseville Courthouse yesterday. Charged with Burglary, Vandalism, and Conspiracy, Damiano Ray and Juan Mateo are now awaiting trial.
Following an extensive investigation, Detective Russ Smith and his team, uninhibited by the cold weather, were able to link the duo to a similar incident in Roseville on December 2, 2025. Detective Smith, hailed for his tenacious effort in the case, believes that the evidence left at the scene, including DNA, will play a pivotal role in identifying the third suspect still at large. "The community and victim’s patience were much appreciated while the detectives investigated the initial crime and followed up on the leads," as emerged from the department's post.
While two of the involved parties sit behind bars, the search for the third continues, with Manteca Police earnestly urging the individual to surrender. The department's commitment to transparency balances the need for discretion in certain matters that could otherwise pose risks to their operations or the potential success of the prosecution.
Manteca Police is calling on the public for assistance in the case, referring to case #25-05328. Anyone with crucial information about the third suspect, whom Detective Smith hopes to identify using DNA evidence from the leftover at the scene, is encouraged to contact the Manteca Police Department at 209.456.8101.
