Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT
200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org

Armed Robbery / Kidnapping Suspect Apprehended by SMPD


On September 3, 2014 at about 11:10 AM, San Mateo Police were dispatched to the 1700 block of Gum Street on a report of an armed robbery. The lone suspect entered the business and displayed a handgun demanding merchandise. The suspect then grabbed the victim by the shirt and forced the victim to a rear storage room where the suspect ordered the victim to put brand new cell phones in a bag. The victim placed an undisclosed amount of merchandise in the bag and the suspect fled from the store. The victim was able to provide both a suspect description and partial plate on the suspect vehicle as it left the scene. SMPD Officers arrived in the area within minutes and began canvassing the neighborhoods surrounding the crime scene. Officers quickly located a vehicle matching the description provided in the area of 25th Ave and Palm Ave. approximately one mile from the scene of the robbery. SMPD maintained constant surveillance on the unoccupied vehicle until officers observed a black male adult walking back towards it. The suspect matched both the physical description and clothing description provided by the victim. As officers attempted to contact the suspect, he fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, the suspect, identified as Tajri Turner, (23 year old black male adult from San Francisco) was taken in to custody without further incident. Subsequent search of Turner’s vehicle located the stolen cell phones and the firearm used in the robbery. There were no injuries to the victim and the investigation is continuing.

SMPD takes violent crimes such as this one very seriously and all available resources were committed to this incident at the time it occurred which included SMPD Patrol personnel, the SMPD Crime Reduction Unit (street crimes), and the SMPD Investigations Bureau, totaling nearly 20 sworn police officers and through this comprehensive and cohesive commitment to public safety, this violent perpetrator was apprehended before he could pose any further risk to our community. SMPD wishes to thank the victim in this case for not only their bravery and tenacity, but also for their cooperation that undoubtedly led to the arrest. We rely everyday on our community to be our “eyes and ears” and this incident demonstrates that principle.

SUSPECT ARRESTED (booked at S.M County Jail for armed robbery and kidnapping):
Tajri TURNER (23) San Francisco, CA

Anyone with additional information about this case or any other case is urged to contact SMPD:

SMPD Investigations General Number: 650-522-7650
SMPD Secret Witness Line: 650-522-7676


MAKE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFER
Please help us make your neighborhood safer and take a stand against crime. Please report all criminal behavior, join a Neighborhood Watch program, and help anyone who might fall victim to a crime. If a Neighborhood Watch doesn’t exist on your block, you can start one with help from SMPD. For additional information about the City of San Mateo Neighborhood Watch Program, call SMPD Community Services at (650)522-7626 or visit our web www.cityofsanmateo.org

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