Man Accused In Series Of Palo Alto Burglaries
PALO ALTO (CBS SF) - A man in custody accused in a July Palo Alto burglary has now been linked to at least four more home burglaries, according to police.
On July 29, police responded to a report of a prowler in the area of Jefferson and Edgewood drives. A resident saw a man, later identified as George Martinez, 45, of East Palo Alto, in the backyard of her home and called police.
Officers spotted Martinez near the Edgewood Shopping Center on Channing Avenue. He ran from police but was caught at the intersection of Embarcadero and West Bayshore roads after a short foot chase, police said.
The resident identified Martinez as the person she had seen in her backyard, and he was arrested on a parole violation and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail. Police said he was on parole for assaulting a police officer.
Investigators found stolen property in Martinez's car, police said.
Investigators said they have been able to link Martinez to four residential burglaries in July in which computers, cash and jewelry were stolen.
Police said the district attorney's office has charged Martinez with several counts of burglary.
Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling 911 or (650) 329-2413. Anonymous tips can be emailed to paloalto@tipnow.org or people can anonymously call or text (650) 383-8984.
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