Man Who Broke Into Woman's Apartment Arrested: SMPD

SAN MATEO, CA — San Mateo police officers arrested a man Friday who they allege broke into a stranger's apartment and refused to leave. The victim called 911 to report the break-in shortly before 2:30 a.m. on East 3rd Avenue, telling dispatchers the man had finally fled her home.

When officers arrived, they discovered the suspect had applied enough force to the woman's locked door to break the doorframe. She told officers the man told her someone was chasing him and asked if he could stay in her apartment — which she refused. The man left after she called 911.

Officers searched the neighborhood for someone matching the victim's description and located a suspect at the intersection of 5th Avenue and South B Street, arresting him without incident. Police identified the man accused in the case as Robert Najera, 32, of San Mateo. He was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism.

In light of the case, police shared a few reminders to help neighbors safeguard their homes:

• Talk with your neighbors – We have one of the most active neighborhood watch programs in the county. Join your neighbors in addressing neighborhood issues.
• Lock all doors and windows – Remind your family to check windows and doors.
• Light it up – Ensure bright lights are on around your entire home.
• Invest in Surveillance – We are encouraging our community to utilize security cameras. They are especially helpful in identifying suspicious activity in neighborhoods when cameras are street facing. Our officers regularly canvass for surveillance and you can help us by notifying SMPD cameras are in your neighborhood.