Alleged Arsonist, Car Thief Arrested After Coastside Foot Chases

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Coastside deputies arrested suspects wanted for separate crimes after a pair of foot chases Friday morning, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said the first incident began around 7 a.m. in the Surfers' Beach parking lot in El Grenada, where a car was reported stolen. Deputies searched the area and reported the vehicle driving on Highway 92 roughly 90 minutes later.

According to the sheriff's office, the driver ran from the vehicle after deputies pulled him over near The Fisherman's Taverna. After a brief chase, he was arrested without incident. Investigators identified the suspect as Jamie L. Harris, 44, of Half Moon Bay. He was booked into jail on suspicion of vehicle theft, having a stolen vehicle, and resisting arrest.

Later the same morning, deputies patrolling Highway 1 spotted a small fire burning near a trail in Half Moon Bay. While investigating, deputies said a man ran from the scene. After chasing him down and taking him into custody, deputies identified the man as Gilberto M. Flores, 46, of Half Moon Bay.

Investigators said Flores had a history of igniting fires, and he was booked into jail on suspicion of causing a property fire, resisting arrest and littering.