Millbrae Chase, Hospital Lockdown Leads To 4 Arrests

MILLBRAE, CA — Four young suspects in a stolen Jeep led Millbrae authorities on a chase Monday before prompting a hospital lockdown in Burlingame and eliciting an emergency response from multiple Peninsula agencies, according to law enforcement.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said the incident began shortly before 3 a.m. when the Millbrae Police Bureau and North County Patrol became aware of a stolen Jeep linked to a series of auto burglaries within the county.

Less than 45 minutes later, automated license plate readers picked up the vehicle within Millbrae city limits. Deputies located the stolen vehicle and gave chase when the suspects fled, deploying spike strips that deflated three of the vehicle's tires, officials said.

The Jeep crossed the border into Burlingame where it came to a stop in front of the Mills-Peninsula Medical Center and its remaining tires fell off the rims. Officials said two suspects were quickly arrested, while two others ran inside a parking structure.

The hospital entered a lockdown and multiple agencies responded to the scene, including officers from Burlingame, San Bruno, San Mateo and Hillsborough. With help from a drone, investigators were able to locate the outstanding suspects and arrest them without incident.

"This incident underscores the effectiveness of a well-coordinated response among multiple law enforcement agencies, utilizing technology to address the situation swiftly and safely," the sheriff's office said Monday. "These arrests, made possible by the utilization of our Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system, [exemplify] the power of interagency cooperation and cutting-edge technology in combatting crime."

According to the sheriff's office, all four suspects were from San Jose, ranging in age from 17 to 20. The three young adults were booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City and the teen suspect was booked into Hillcrest Juvenile Hall. Each face multiple charges related to vehicle theft, burglary and evasion.

Detectives said the investigation is ongoing and officials believe the suspects are linked to crimes in several jurisdictions. Anyone with information that could help the case can call 650-363-4008 or contact the anonymous tip line at 1-800-547-2700.