5 Arrested In 2 Separate Cases At Peninsula Shopping Center

SAN BRUNO, CA — Police arrested five individuals last week in connection with two separate crimes recently logged at the Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno — one which reportedly involved an alleged theft-ring operating in the state, and another regarding a car break-in, according to authorities.

Officers were called Thursday at 8:10 p.m. to a theft at a business at the shopping center as suspects fled the store with stolen merchandise valued at more than $4,000, the San Bruno Police Department said.

Detained and arrested in the case were 19-year-old Richmond resident Inaya Chatman, Mikela Sims, 27 of Richmond and 30-year-old Antioch resident Kiaira Fluker, police said. The trio was booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of grand theft, criminal conspiracy, along with several outstanding theft-related warrants.

"Further investigation revealed these suspects are involved in a retail-theft ring that has been active throughout the state of California," the department said.

Two days earlier, on Tuesday, a San Bruno officer recognized a gray sedan driving through the Tanforan parking lot — a car associated with a vehicular burglary that occurred in June, police said.

Police were called June 27 at about 1 p.m. to the shopping complex's parking area after a car break-in occurred, with a male allegedly smashing a vehicle's window, stealing a purse from inside, an estimated loss of $1,500, and driving off with two females in a gray car, according to the agency. Through witness statements, surveillance footage and assistance from the San Francisco Police Department, investigators identified in the case a male suspect and possible license plate for the vehicle, officials said.

On Sept. 17 at 12:20 p.m., a patrolling officer "recognized the suspect vehicle from this case as it was once again driving through the parking lot at The Shops at Tanforan. The officer was able to detain the occupants of the vehicle without incident," the department said, adding that the duo was "positively identified as two of the suspects from the previous crime."

Arrested were 18-year-old San Francisco resident Charles Eason and 19-year-old Pittsburg resident Taeler Parks, police said.

The two were booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of burglary, conspiracy and possession of burglary tools, officials said.

Anyone with any additional information on the cases can contact San Bruno police at (650) 616-7100 or by email: sbpdtipline@sanbruno.ca.gov. Information can be left anonymously.

• ALSO SEE: Duo Busted For San Mateo Car-Break-Ins: Police