San Leandro Vehicle Theft Suspect Arrested After Leading Police On Pursuit Across Bay Area

SAN MATEO, CA — A San Leandro man was arrested on Tuesday after leading police on a pursuit across the Bay Area as officers attempted to arrest him on suspicion of auto burglary, vehicle tampering and possession of drugs, officials said.

Brian Tapia, 30, was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, vehicle tampering, petty theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance without prescription, the San Mateo Police Department said in a release.

On Tuesday, around 6:24 p.m., police went to investigate a report of vehicle theft at a home on the 400 block of N. Idaho Street, the agency said.

Police took multiple reports on the same night involving the same possible suspect committing auto burglaries in the neighborhood. The investigation continued into the following day, when police believe they spotted the suspect vehicle.

Officers from an outside agency attempted to stop the vehicle while engaging a multi-agency response, including the help of air support. Still, the suspect did not stop, leading law enforcement through multiple counties, police said.

After trailing the suspect vehicle, it eventually came to a stop in San Francisco. The driver, Tapia, initially attempted to flee on foot, but was apprehended by officers.

Tapia was taken to the San Mateo County Jail, where he was booked for his charges.