Full Notification

San Mateo Police arrested two suspects over the weekend after a violent attack and robbery of a 7-Eleven store clerk.
 
On Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, at around 4:30 a.m., San Mateo Police were called to the 7-Eleven at 600 E. Third Ave. on a report of a robbery. According to the caller, the 7-Eleven clerk was laying on the ground injured and the cash registers were open. When officers arrived, they tended to the victim before he was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Officers quickly obtained security footage that captured the violent encounter and were able to broadcast descriptions of the suspects. While canvassing the area, one officer went to a nearby by gas station and convenience store, located at 609 E. Fourth Ave., to look for additional evidence.
 
As the officer entered the store, San Mateo Police dispatch received a call from the gas station attendant reporting a disturbance with a man at the counter. The officer contacted the man, later identified as 21-year-old Melton Nau, and immediately determined he matched the description of the robbery suspect from the security footage in the earlier incident. The officer attempted to detain Nau who violently attacked the officer and a struggle ensued. Additional officers arrived as Nau attempted to flee. Nau continued to violently resist before he was eventually detained a short distance away. He was confirmed to be the suspect in the reported robbery and was consequently booked into San Mateo County Jail on various charges.
 
An extensive area check for the second robbery suspect was conducted with the assistance of neighboring police agencies, but he was not located. The San Mateo Police Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) immediately launched an investigation into the identity and whereabouts of the second suspect.
 
On Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018, around 11:45 p.m., our CRU officers tracked the second suspect to the 1200 block of Polk Street in San Francisco. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Talia Opeti, was safely arrested without incident. Opeti was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm, which was later determined to be stolen. Opeti was transported to San Mateo County Jail where he was booked on multiple charges.
 
ARRESTED:
Melton Nau 21-year-old San Leandro resident
Booking Charges:  Robbery, Attempted robbery (Gas and Shop), Assault with Great Bodily Injury, Criminal Threats, Resisting Arrest, and Conspiracy.
 
Talia Opeti 18-year-old Hayward resident
Booking Charges: Robbery, Assault with Great Bodily Injury, Carry Concealed Weapon on Person, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Conspiracy.   
Booking photos can be requested from San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at [email protected]
 
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sgt. Amanda Von Glahn [email protected]