Full Notification

A shoplifting suspect was arrested for multiple violations of theft, narcotics possession, possession of a stolen vehicle, forging vehicle registration, and possession of a tear gas weapon.
 
San Mateo, CA – On April 16, 2025, at 09:24 p.m., the San Mateo Police Department responded to Macy’s, located at 115 Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo, on a report of an uncooperative shoplifter in custody. Officers arrived and met with Macy’s Loss Prevention Officers, who stated they had detained a shoplifter, identified in the investigation as Tommy Lee Walter III, for shoplifting. Loss prevention officers also located a black sticky substance and pepper spray in Walter’s possession. Officers identified the substance as heroin during the investigation.   
 
A records check confirmed Walter was on parole for weapons charges and probation for possession of a stolen vehicle. Walter also had an outstanding no bail parole warrant for absconding, as well as a probation no bail warrant.
 
During an additional search of Walter’s person, officers located a programmable vehicle key fob. Officers were able to locate a black Acura MDX in the mall parking lot that was associated with Walter. The vehicle was found to have been stolen out of Oakland. While searching the interior of the vehicle, officers located several scanned and printed license plates that were the same as legitimate license plates in size, shape, and coloring. A records check of the license plates revealed they all had returns to Acura SUVs from dealerships in Southern California. MDMA and methamphetamine was also located inside of the vehicle. Walter was placed under arrest for multiple violations and booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
 
We continue to need the community’s support in reporting crimes and being a good witness.  If you witness a crime, contact the police immediately.  Try to remain as calm as possible and do your best to answer questions on the phone.  Remember details such as the suspect’s appearance, clothing, any distinguishing features, and which direction they flee. Once the police arrive at the scene, cooperate fully, and provide the officers with all the information you have.  Your observations can greatly assist law enforcement in their investigation. 
 
ARRESTED
Tommy Lee Walter III, 34-year-old Oakland resident.
 
CHARGES:
PC 666.1 (A) (1)-Petty theft with two or more prior convictions, PC 3056-Violation of parole, PC 496D (A)-Possession of a stolen vehicle, HS 11395 (B) (1)-Possession of a controlled substance with two or more prior convictions, VC 4463 (A) (1)-Forging or altering vehicle registration, HS 11350 (A)-Possession of a controlled substance (narcotic), HS 11377 (A)-Possession of a controlled substance, PC 22810 (A)-Unlawful possession of a tear gas weapon