SF Burglary Suspect Accused Of Stealing Children’s Artworks

NOVATO, CA — An officer’s instincts and their determined effort helped lead to the arrest of a Novato burglary suspect and the recovery of cherished family belongings, police said.

Mario Alberto Quiroz-Perez, 43, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of burglary in connection with an incident the previous day, the Novato Police Department said.

He is accused of a Presidents neighborhood burglary in the early morning hours of Dec. 28 involving children’s artwork and some mementos, police said.

An officer patrolling the Presidents neighborhood at around 3:30 a.m. pulled over Quiroz-Perez for observed code violations after noticing him driving suspiciously slowly, police said.

The officer found Quiroz-Perez to be on an outstanding warrant and arrested him and impounded his vehicle, police said.

“During the inventory, personal items including children’s artwork and mementos which appeared to be stolen were found in the car,” Capt. Sasha D’Amico said.

“The driver was unable to explain how he came into possession of the items. The items were taken for safekeeping and further investigation.”

The officer the next day confirmed the next day that the items found in the vehicle belonged to a Gazania Court residence.

Quiroz-Perez was arrested on suspicion of burglary while at the police station trying to recover his towed vehicle.

“This investigation highlights our officers’ dedication protecting our community. If not for the diligent efforts of this officer, this crime may have gone undetected or resulted in a police report with no investigative leads,” police said in a statement.

“We are thankful we could recover this property for our community member and are hopeful our efforts to hold those who commit these crimes accountable will serve as a warning to others who might consider committing these crimes in Novato.”