Full Notification

On July 21, 2015, Los Altos Police released photographs of two residential burglary suspects who gained entry into multiple homes in Los Altos while posing as water service workers. One suspect, identified as Donny John, has been arrested.

On July 20, 2015 at approximately 1:00 p.m., a residential burglary occurred in the 700 Block of Jordan Avenue. Two suspects impersonating water service workers told the homeowner the water supply to his home had possibly been contaminated due to construction in the neighborhood. The victim allowed the suspects into his home and after running the water on several faucets, the suspects left. Soon after, the victim discovered that his home had been burglarized.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. the same day, a suspicious circumstance was reported in the 1000 Block of Los Altos Avenue. The residents reported that a water utility worker informed them that their water may be contaminated and he would like to enter the home to inspect the faucets. One suspect was allowed inside where again, he turned on several faucets; however, the suspects left without burglarizing the residence.

Surveillance footage obtained from the home on Los Altos Avenue provided Police with the suspect photographs that were previously released.

In September 2014, there was a similar burglary in the first block of O’keefe Lane in Los Altos.  Los Altos Police believe that the same suspects are responsible for all three incidents and possibly others throughout the greater Bay Area. 

Follow-up investigation led to enough probable cause for Los Altos Detectives to obtain an arrest warrant for one of the suspects, identified as Donny John, DOB 4/11/78, a resident of San Leandro, CA.  Donny John is believed to be the suspect pictured in the orange vest on surveillance video. On August 18, 2015, he was taken into custody per the arrest warrant with the help of San Leandro Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.  The suspect was booked into Alameda County Jail.

The investigation into other burglaries and involved suspects is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Los Altos Police Department at (650) 947-2770.

Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to the Los Altos Police Department at (650) 947-2770. For emergency calls, or suspected in-progress crimes, please dial 9-1-1.