Suspect Sought In Connection With Violent San Mateo Carjacking

SAN MATEO, CA — Authorities are asking for the public’s help locating an outstanding suspect described as “vicious and violent” sought in connection with an October robbery at a Peninsula laundromat in which two victims were assaulted, San Mateo police said.

Tevita Taunaholo, 25 of Oakland, is wanted in connection with the Oct. 16 incident on robbery, carjacking, and mayhem charges, according to police.

Two men have already been arrested in connection with this case including Taunaholo's brother, police said.

Mosese Taunaholo, 19 of Alameda, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping and possession of a stolen vehicle, among other charges, police said. Philimon Lauaki, 21 of Oakland, was arrested on suspicion of robbery, carjacking and aggravated mayhem.

Officers at around 6:34 a.m. Oct. 16 were dispatched to the Shoreview Laundromat on report of a battery in progress, police said.

They determined that the suspect, identified as Mosese Taunaholo, entered the laundromat and brandished a handgun at a male victim, ordering him to go outside, police said.

Taunaholo punched the victim when he refused the demand and then forcefully carried him outside, where Taunaholo and his brother (later identified as Tevita Taunaholo), beat the victim unconscious and stole some of his personal belongings including his car keys, police said.

The Taunaholo brothers assaulted a second victim (unrelated to the first victim) who arrived at the laundromat and stole that person’s car keys, too.

The Taunaholos fled the scene by driving the stolen vehicles eastbound on Dakota Avenue, police said.

The two victims were transported to a local hospital, one of which remains hospitalized, police said.

Within a few hours, SMPD learned the first victim’s vehicle was at the Southland Mall in Hayward.
Hayward police detained Mosese Taunaholo shortly afterward after officers found him entering a bathroom stall, police said.

Officers located three wallets and a replica handgun inside the bathroom stall, police said.
SMPD Officers arrested Taunaholo and located the keys to the first victim’s vehicle.

SMPD detectives continued the investigation and identified two additional suspects: Philimon Lauaki and Tevita Taunaholo.

Lauaki was arrested in Oakland with the assistance from the Oakland Police Department and other agencies, police said.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Tevita Taunaholo is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Kurt Rodenspiel at (650) 522-7662 or by email krodenspiel@cityofsanmateo.org.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling (650) 522-7676 or by visiting here.