San Mateo Credit Card Theft Suspect Arrested: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A 45-year-old Manteca woman suspected of stealing credit cards from elderly shoppers while they were distracted was arrested this week outside a Target store in San Mateo, police said.

Renetha Thomas allegedly distracted the shoppers, stole their credit cards and then used the cards immediately to purchase items, according to police.

Officers responding to reports of the thefts shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday found Thomas in the parking lot of the store at 2220 Bridgepointe Parkway.

Thomas tried to get away in her car and resisted arrest, threatening to cough on officers. A small group of people allegedly tried to intervene during the arrest and more officers were called to assist.

A replica firearm and property belonging to the victims was found in Thomas' car, police said. During the investigation, officers learned Thomas was connected to similar crimes out of Foster City and are also investigating their involvement in crimes across the state.

Thomas was booked at San Mateo County Jail after medical clearance from a local hospital.

Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. — Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.