Accused Car Vandal Arrested In San Mateo

SAN MATEO, CA — A man arrested Tuesday morning is accused of damaging several cars while walking down the street in San Mateo, according to police.

Investigators said multiple 911 callers reported a man with a stick breaking the mirrors and windshields of cars parked along South Fremont Street a few minutes before 7:30 a.m. Police credited good suspect descriptions with helping officers quickly locate and detain the suspect, who authorities identified Tuesday as Carlos Utan, 29, of Burlingame.

Investigators allege Utan struck at least eight vehicles with a paint roller, breaking side mirrors and windshields and damaging hoods. Police estimated the total damage was nearly $9,000.

Utan was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism.