Police in Belmont arrested one suspect and are searching for two more in connection with a string of car thefts that took place early Wednesday morning.
A patrol officer initiated a traffic stop on a Honda Civic in the 1000 block of Ralston Avenue at about 3:40 a.m., according to Belmont police.
The Honda, which had been reported stolen from San Jose, did not stop and a brief car chase ensued, police said. The vehicle was followed to the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Hill Street, where two people in their 20s got out of the car and ran.
A third occupant, 25-year-old Maria Garcia, of San Jose, was taken into custody at the scene. San Mateo police and sheriff’s deputies searched the area but did not locate the two fugitives.
Investigators believe the three suspects are connected with at least one case of vehicle burglary and three incidents of stolen Hondas reported overnight in Belmont, police said.
A black 1995 Honda Civic was reported stolen from the 2000 block of Mezes Avenue and was later found abandoned on Coronet Boulevard.
A green 1999 Honda Civic was stolen from the 900 block of Miramar Terrace and abandoned after being involved in a hit-and-run crash at Ralston Avenue and El Camino Real, police said.
A blue four-door 1990 Honda Accord that was reported stolen from the 1600 block of Valley View Avenue has not been recovered. The stolen Accord has a California license plate No. 2YHU742.
Police are asking anyone who owns a 1990s Honda to remove valuables and be sure the car is locked when parked.
Anyone with information regarding the car thefts or the suspects is asked to call Belmont police at (650) 595-7400.