Palo Alto Police Trace Arrestee Back to Four Burglaries

After a month-long investigation, Palo Alto police have identified a man responsible for four residential burglaries as East Palo Alto resident George Martinez, 45.

Martinez was initially arrested on July 29, when police responded to a neighbor’s report of a prowler in her yard in the area of Jefferson Drive and Edgewood Drive. Police found Martinez near the Edgewood Shopping Center, where he ran from police but was apprehended at the corner of Embarcadero and West Bayshore roads.

The neighbor identified Martinez as the man she spotted in her yard. He was arrested for a parole violation, interviewed by detectives, and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail. His identity was later discovered, and he was found to be on parole for assaulting a police officer.

After the arrest, Martinez’s car was searched. Police found laptop computers, cash and jewelry, and, after a lengthy investigation, traced him back to four residential burglaries in July.

“PAPD was not able to discuss this case earlier due to the ongoing investigation, which has now been completed,” said Palo Alto police Detective Max Nielepko in a press release.

Palo Alto police are encouraging the community to immediately report suspicious activity by calling 911 or the 24-hour communications number at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be emailed to paloalto@tipnow.org; anonymous voicemails and text messages can be sent to 650-383-8984.