Suspicious Call Turns Up Carjacking Lead, Santa Clara Police Say

SANTA CLARA, CA -- A couple was arrested a week ago on the 3000 block of Stevens Creek Boulevard in Santa Clara in connection with an earlier carjacking.

A city officer was flagged down Feb. 18 at about 6:50 p.m. by an unknown civilian claiming two people "passed out" in a vehicle blocking a fire lane outside of a business. The officer observed a male driver and female passenger slumped forward towards their lap. A records check on the vehicle revealed it was reported stolen after a carjacking.

The officer knocked on the passenger side window, and both individuals woke up. The officer ordered both individuals to place their hands on the steering wheel and dashboard. The suspects did not comply. The male suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The officer chased the suspect and caught him shortly after. Upon returning to the vehicle, the female suspect was not present. Officers established a perimeter, located the suspect and took her into custody after a brief struggle. The officer yielded a controlled substance in her possession.

Both suspects identified as Andrea Marzolla, 32, of Santa Cruz, and Daniel Nieblas, a 42-year-old transient, were transported to the Santa Clara County Jail.